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1 – 2 of 2Elizabeth Dreike Almer, Amelia A. Baldwin, Allison Jones-Farmer, Margaret Lightbody and Louise E. Single
To understand the reasons that accounting academics leave the tenure-track academic pipeline.
Abstract
Purpose
To understand the reasons that accounting academics leave the tenure-track academic pipeline.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey study was conducted of PhD graduates who left the tenure-track accounting pipeline over a 22-year period.
Findings
We located and surveyed accounting PhD graduates who have opted out of the tenure-track. These opt-outs included those who have left academia entirely and those who have moved into non-tenure-track positions. Survey results indicate that dissatisfaction with research expectations is the most significant factor for faculty now employed in non-tenure-track positions. Although there were no gender-related differences in the number of faculty who left the tenure-track but stayed in academia, there were some gender differences in the importance of family-related factors in motivating the move off of the tenure-track.
Research limitations/implications
The study examines the importance of the “push” and “pull” factors associated with changing career paths in academia that have been identified in the literature. The study finds some differences in influential factors between accounting academia and other fields. Sample size is a potential limitation.
Practical implications
The study provides recommendations for PhD program directors and for hiring institutions to help reduce the number of opt-outs.
Social implications
Retention of qualified faculty who are dedicated teachers improves students’ educational outcomes.
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine factors that drive accounting academics to opt-out of the tenure-track.
Details