| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art_FernandaLeão_2022 | 1.88 MB | Adobe PDF |
Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Purpose – In the context of Portugal, this study examines the stereotypes of accountants held by laypeople
and how they are influenced by financial crises and accounting scandals.
Design/methodology/approach – To better understand the social images of accountants, the authors adopt
a structural approach based on the big five model (BFM) of personality. The authors test this approach on a
Portuguese community sample (N 5 727) using a questionnaire survey. The results are analyzed considering
the socioanalytic theory.
Findings – The results suggest the existence of a stereotype dominated by features of conscientiousness,
which is related to the superior performance of work tasks across job types. This feature comprises the core
characteristics of the traditional accountant stereotype, which survives in a context challenged by financial
scandals and crises. The findings highlight the social acceptance of accountants as an occupational group but
do not suggest the possibility of accountants benefiting from the highest levels of social status when considered
in relation to the traditional accountant stereotype.
Originality/value – By combining the BFM and the socioanalytic theory, this study provides a unique
theoretical approach to better understand the social images of accountants. The findings demonstrate the
suitability of using the BFM to study the social perceptions of accountants. They also indicate a paradox based
on the survival of the traditional stereotype. This stereotype appears to be resistant to scandals and financial
crisis, instead of being impaired, giving rise to another prototype with concerns about integrity.
Description
Keywords
Accountant stereotypes Big five model Socioanalytic theory Portugal
Citation
Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited