Bridging the Research Expectations Gap Between Accounting Researchers and Practitioners

Abstract

This study examines the research expectations gap between accounting practitioners and academic researchers that hinders the accounting profession from becoming and being regarded as a learned profession. Using a sample of practicing public accountants and university faculty respondents, we find evidence of a closed loop where practitioners are not likely to read or reference academic accounting journals, although researchers are more likely to read or reference practitioner publications. We also find that practitioners are more likely to read or reference practitioner publications for practice guidance while researchers are more likely to read or reference practitioner publications that are peer reviewed. We trace the roots of the expectations gap to incentive structures and reward systems in academia, the lack of professional experience among newly-graduated PhDs, and decreased opportunities for academic-practitioner collaboration in publishing. We propose some ways in which this expectations gap may be bridged by fostering greater collaboration between accounting researchers and practitioners.

Keywords: Pathways Commission, learned profession, practitioner publications, accounting research