Personal and Institutional Characteristics Affecting Research Productivity of Academic Accountants

Abstract

Abstract Accounting research and publication have taken on a role far beyond the advancement and dissemination of knowledge. Academics and institutions now focus on publications in major journals for funding, prestige, merit, and tenure decisions. This article attempts to identify institutional and individual variables that correlate with accounting research productivity. The results could benefit new PhDs, current faculty, and institutions wishing to foster more favorable research environments. Authors publishing a main article in The Journal of Accounting Research or The Accounting Review during 1984 through 1988 were surveyed to ascertain factors associated with their success. These factors were compared with the results of a survey of a randomly selected control group of accounting educators. The data reveal significant differences in work profiles for the two groups. Critical factors include hours of teaching per year compared with hours of research, reasons for topic selection, and choices of journals read and meetings attended.