The Theoretical Substantiation of Cost Accounting in the Light of Conflicting Approaches (English version)

In Germany, a discussion has been in progress for a number of years on the theoretical substantiation and the necessity of an independent cost accounting system. The spectrum of views involved ranges from a complete integration of cost accounting (internal income statement) into the profit and loss statement (external income statement) to as complete a separation as possible of the two income accounting systems. This contribution will represent, from a German standpoint, how the discussion has developed, and what its present state is. The conclusion of this contribution is a recommendation of a theoretically substantiated separation of the two types of income statements. The contribution pursues several different purposes: (a) an identification of the historical roots of the theoretical basis of cost accounting, (b) an account of the problem field of the firm and its structures, (c) a definition of the position of separations and separation theorems, (d) an analysis of perspectives of investigation of a theoretical substantiation, (e) a methodical orientation of cost accounting by the planning and steering system, (f) an account and appreciation of recent contributions on the theoretical substantiation, (g) a theoretical substantiation of an independent cost accounting system