Abstract
The majority of literature, particularly in accounting, concurs that the foundational step in establishing and evaluating any administrative or accounting system lies in the formulation of its objectives, as they provide the essential benchmarks for assessing operational efficiency. Objectives are broadly defined as the ends toward which activity is directed or the goals that activities strive to achieve. (1), as well as specific purposes to be attained by a certain date (2). This perspective is shared by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), a prominent regulatory body in the United States, which defined an objective in 1974 as the focal point of effort and the ultimate end of activity or labor (3). The significance of objectives—whether at the individual, organizational, or social level—stems from their role as the primary driver for decision-making; thus, individual choices and corporate policies must be oriented toward achieving these goals. Regardless of their nature, objectives must be clearly articulated, as any failure in their formulation leads to suboptimal decision-making. Furthermore, establishing goals facilitates the creation of performance standards, without which individuals or groups cannot be expected to function with efficiency and effectiveness; essentially, objectives must be defined in a manner that allows for the measurement of success or failure in their attainment (4). This process is subject to a set of circumstances that may fluctuate, necessitating a continuous review and evaluation of objectives to keep pace with such changes. In this context, Schleh emphasizes that while goal-setting initially occurs under a known set of conditions, these goals must adapt as conditions evolve (5). These circumstances encompass internal factors that influence and alter objectives, as well as external environmental factors, including legislative changes, technological advancements, and shifting socio-economic, cultural, and political landscapes (6). Given that the environments in which we operate are in a constant state of evolution and vary significantly across different societies, those responsible for formulating objectives in any field must align them with local environmental requirements and remain committed to revising and adapting them in response to changing conditions whenever necessary.
DOI
10.33095/jeas.v13i47.1187
Subject Area
Accounting
First Page
186
Last Page
206
Recommended Citation
Hassan, A. A., Al Ghabban, T. S., & Aubdullah Al-Mashhadani, B. N. (2007). Formulating the Objectives of Accounting and Financial Reports Under Varying Environmental Variables: Proposed Ideas and Suggested Opinions. Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences, 13(47), 186-206. https://doi.org/10.33095/jeas.v13i47.1187
