Accounting for goodwill: reflections historical, conceptual and comparative review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to make reflections from a historical, conceptual and comparative review on goodwill in one hundred years of accounting theory, still considered a difficult topic with the theoretical and normative evolution. Methodology: Theoretical essay produced from an integrative qualitative literature review. It presents the theoretical evolution and challenges observed by theorists and regulators since the seminal study “Accounting Theory” by William Paton (1922). Results: The relevance attributed to goodwill goes far beyond the concepts and criteria for recognition and measurement. Its interpretation and processing are influenced by cognitive aspects, economic interests, and in a moment of economic crisis, debates on the topic are intensified, motivated by stakeholders’ concerns, regulators and theorists, the same in one hundred years of evolution. So, the future of goodwill is undefined. Contributions of the Study: The historical and comparative analysis, limited in the choice of the references on the subject, contributes to confirm the subjectivity and absence of conceptual, normative and practical consensus for goodwill, thus there aren't right or wrong among theorists and regulators. The scenario of high volatility in the capital markets during  Covid-19 pandemic, for example, arose new theoretical discussions about the quantum and multidisciplinary dimension and the possible return of Accounting practices used in the past. Therefore, the relevance of goodwill requires that not only regulators establish rules, but that theoretical and practical ethically contribute to the debate.