The Initial Job Selections of New Accounting Professors

Abstract

The strong market for new accounting faculty coupled with the significant costs of recruiting faculty necessitates an understanding of the preferences of job candidates by employer institutions. Candidates for entry-level positions could also benefit from an understanding of the past experiences of their peers. This study explores the initial job selections of new accounting faculty. A survey of 196 individuals who accepted an entry-level accounting faculty position during 1996 or 1997 resulted in one hundred seventeen usable responses. Thirty-eight of the 54 variables in the survey were rated "somewhat important" or "important." Generally, respondents at teaching-oriented schools and schools without doctoral programs regarded personal variables as more important, while respondents at research-oriented schools and schools with doctoral programs placed more importance on research-related variables and graduate education. Factor analyses indicated that respondents sought adequate research resources, low service expectations, and good benefits from a school located in an area which would afford them quality of life outside of work. Contrary to prior research, compensation variables were not included in any of the reported factors. Regardless of affiliation and consistent with prior research, the typical faculty work load included a significant research component and research effectiveness was perceived as the most important criteria for promotion and tenure.