Final answer:
The special characteristics of the corporate form affecting accounting include their status as a legal entity, ability to raise capital, and ethical and legal responsibilities to various stakeholders. These features necessitate a nuanced approach to accounting to accommodate the complex nature of their operations and their role in the global economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The special characteristics of the corporate form that affect accounting include its status as a legal entity, its ability to raise capital, and the responsibilities to a variety of stakeholders. As a legal entity, a corporation has the rights and responsibilities akin to those of an individual, which means it can enter into contracts, sue or be sued, and own assets. The ability to raise capital is another distinctive feature; corporations can issue stocks or bonds to garner funds. Moreover, corporations have an unlimited life, and ownership can be easily transferred through the sale of stocks.
When it comes to the ethical and legal responsibilities, corporations must consider the interests of shareholders, employees, customers, and the broader community. Accountability to these groups is essential and reflects the multifaceted role corporations play in the global economy. Additionally, corporations face various taxes, like property and payroll taxes, affecting their financial strategies and accounting practices. The debate over corporate rights versus ethical responsibilities also shapes corporate accounting practices, particularly in areas like political contributions and employee benefits.
Lastly, the role of corporations in the global economy amplifies the complexity of accounting practices, as multinational corporations operate across borders and must navigate multiple regulatory environments and tax jurisdictions. The varied characteristics intrinsic to corporations necessitate a comprehensive and nuanced approach to accounting, reflective of their broad reach and influence in the global financial markets.