Subjectivity and Impression Management in Accounting

This article discusses the influence of subjectivity and impression management in accounting. It explores the motivations behind impression management and its impact on building a better perception. The article cites various studies to support its arguments.

[ACCOUNTING IN CONTEXT]
2018

Accounting
Accounting is always prone to various updation with the continuous passage of time due to
which numerous concepts, as well as regulation, came into existence. It helps the accountants
to provide a clear picture. Various notions in the theories of accounting can be considered to
be influenced by subjectivity as the loopholes are not challenged by the regulations.
Accounting as a tool can be termed as subjective, however, when it comes to accountants and
the goodwill of the company it is misguided to become subjective in nature because the areas
are not explored. Objectivity, neutral and value-free can be termed as a myth in the course of
accounting. As discussed by Hellmann (2016), objectivity happens when the decision made in
accounting are free from notions or personal thoughts of the accountants. It is critically stated
that if the accountants provide their personal view then it cannot be termed as objective in
nature. However, it needs to be noted that the accountants play a pivotal role because as per
the situation he applies his skills and ability.
When it comes to motivation of impression management three major motivations can be
suggested. Firstly, the managers engage in behavior that is opportunistic in nature that leads to
maximization of return and lessens the punishment on an expected note. The attainment of one
or many goals or the maximization of social and material results can motivate the behavior.
Moreover, the value of the outcomes those are desired impact the behavior of the impression
management. When the outcomes are backed by higher value, the motivation is higher for the
impression management. Further impression management behavior is even influenced by the
desired and the social image that is available at the present. Secondly, Norris (2011) projects
that impression management resides on the current, as well as future image of the manager
that influences the strategies undertaken. Public failures may influence the individuals to get
associated with impression management so that the damaged image can be repaired. Thirdly,
the preference for higher status leads to impression management.
Impression management is undoubtedly a process that is fundamental and universal in nature
that leads to an enhancement of the of the image of oneself in the eyes of others. It is very
helpful in the sense that it provides people with the requisite skills to build a custom
perception. The perception that is set in the mind of the people enables the person to build a
better and enhanced version (Hellmann et. al, 2017). Hence, this process, in reality, helps in
crafting new relationship and position gets altered in the society. Impression management is a
common process that attracts social, as well as cultural implications enabling people to have a
better version in the eyes of the public (Zinko & Rubin, 2015). Going by the discussion, it can
2

Accounting
be commented that impression works in reality as it is the perception of every individual to
strive for the better.
3

Accounting
References
Hellmann, A 2016, ‘The role of accounting in behavioural finance’, Journal of Behavioral
and Experimental Finance, vol. 9, pp. 39-42;
Hellmann, A, Yeow, C & de Mello, L 2017, ‘The impact of information presentation order
on the judgments of non-professional investors’, Accounting and Business Research, vol 47,
no.4, pp. 455-470
Norris, A.R 2011, Impression Management: Considering Cultural, Social, and Spiritual
Factors, viewed 28 March 2018 Inquiries Journal/Student Pulse
http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/a?id=553
Zinko, R & Rubin. M 2015, ‘Personal reputation and the organization’, Journal of
Management & Organization, vol 21, no.2, pp. 217-236
4