Purpose – This study aims to examine both male and female accountants’ perceptions of female career
progression in the Accounting Profession in Ireland. This study is set in the context of a steady rise in
the total proportion of female members across the seven accountancy bodies worldwide and the recent
acknowledged failure of larger accountancy firms to promote women to senior levels in equal measure
compared to male colleagues.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative study (with a qualitative component) was
undertaken to gather the opinions and perceptions of Irish accounting professionals on their career
progression, gender-related barriers and obstacles, the “glass ceiling”, networking and flexible work
arrangements. The sample of respondents reflected the diversity of accounting disciplines and gender
divide in the wider population.
Findings – Evidence of a divergence between the perception and the reality of the lived experience of
female accountants, across the gender divide, was found. While respondents believe they have not
experienced gender-related barriers in their career progression, it is clear that both genders believe that
women succeed in this profession by adapting to masculine occupational values and norms.
Originality/value – These findings contribute to the extant literature on career progression of women
and augment the female management and career development literature. The inclusion of the
perception and comparison of male colleagues is of particular interest.
History
Publication
Gender in Management;30 (6), pp. 479-499
Publisher
Emerald
Note
peer-reviewed
This is a preprint of an article that was subsequently published:
Publication Details
Gender equality in the accounting profession: one size fits all
Antoinette Flynn , Emily Kate Earlie , Christine Cross
Gender in Management
2015 30 (6), pp. 479-499
https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-06-2015-0048
Rights
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