Accounting Faculty Profiles: Demographics and Perceptions of Academia

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we compared profiles of doctoral degree holders in accounting from the 1970, 1980, and 1990 graduating classes to determine differences among graduating classes. Our results indicate that most accounting doctoral graduates pursued an academic career primarily for lifestyle preferences and initially joined the faculty of an academic institution offering a master's and/or doctoral degree. Though satisfaction levels were high, most respondents encountered moderate to much stress in their current positions and believed that there are fewer opportunities in higher education now than when they received their doctoral degrees. The more recent doctoral graduates were more likely to have nonbusiness undergraduate majors, were older when they received their degrees, and took longer to finish the doctoral program. Moreover, recent graduates had fewer professional certifications, perceived greater stress levels in academia, and placed greater emphasis on publication and research.