An overview of how a new arrangement for setting financial reporting standards in the private sector came about, and why. Van Riper documents the emergence of a schism between advocates of neutrality in financial reporting standards and those who emphasize "social consequences", and the clashes between traditional views and new insights. He describes the efforts by powerful interests to block change, and examines the reasons why standard setting gives rise to contention and controversy. His recommendations to ensure standard setting in the private sector will be of special interest, not only...