Factors Contributing to the Shortage of Accounting Faculty: Practitioner Perceptions of Accounting Academia and Obtaining an Accounting Ph.D.

• In Event: Perceptions from Practice

Abstract

There is currently a shortage of academically qualified accounting faculty and this shortage is expected to increase rapidly. This study seeks to investigate potential factors that may be contributing to this shortage. Specifically, we examine: (1) accounting practitioners understanding of and interest in obtaining an accounting PhD and becoming an accounting professor; (2) practitioners’ perceptions of what a professor does; (3) practitioners’ perceptions of the PhD process, and; (4) factors practitioners consider when choosing to pursue a PhD and become a professor. Two hundred twenty accounting practitioners completed a survey designed to investigate these issues. We find that practitioners believe an accounting PhD is a valuable component of becoming an effective professor and over 67 percent of practitioners have considered obtaining a PhD. However, both short term and long term interest in obtaining a PhD is low and practitioners indicate they do not seem to understand the process of obtaining a PhD nor some of the key responsibilities and benefits of being a professor (e.g., publishing research, salary, academic service). The five most important factors identified that impact practitioners’ decisions to obtain a PhD and become a professor are the cost to obtain a PhD, work/family balance, job security, flexible work schedules, and the potential of having to relocate. We also find that the ability to pursue a career in academic research is the least important factor in their decision. Finally, the top two reasons for not pursuing an accounting PhD are cost and time to complete a PhD program. Implications for both the accounting academic community and future research are discussed.

Authors

• William Anton Kerler, The University of North Carolina Wilmington

• Christopher Allport, The University of Alabama in Huntsville

• Duane M Brandon, Auburn University