Keeping our Talent: Predicting Life Satisfaction, Job Satisfaction, and Retention for Accounting Professionals

• In Event: Gender Issues Work/Life Balance

Abstract

This study examines how the theories of flourishing, as set forth in the literature of positive psychology, also known as the science of happiness and human flourishing, applies to the accounting profession. Using survey research, we measured mastery, meaning at work, hope, positive and negative emotions, temporary well-being, and income to predict life satisfaction, job satisfaction, and retention for accountants. We found that one’s view of work (calling vs. career-orientation), emotions at work (both positive and negative), temporary well-being, and hope predict outcomes. We found one gender difference where a woman’s temporary well-being, her coping ability a few hours after work, predicts job retention. This research contributes a theoretical approach of examining why people leave their accounting jobs, especially in public accounting, for other positions, and makes recommendations on how to improve the well-being of accountants.

Authors

• Marsha M Huber, Youngstown State University

• Wei Wang, University of Central Florida

• David B Law, Youngstown State University