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Personality Profiles of Canadian Public Accountants
Author(s) -
Davidson Ronald A.,
Dalby J. Thomas
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
international journal of selection and assessment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.812
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1468-2389
pISSN - 0965-075X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-2389.1993.tb00094.x
Subject(s) - personality , psychology , personality psychology , promotion (chess) , sample (material) , population , accounting , public accounting , big five personality traits , social psychology , business , audit , demography , political science , sociology , chemistry , chromatography , politics , law
This research describes the personality characteristics of a sample of Canadian public accountants using the 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire. Comparisons are made with the general population, between male and female accountants, and between firms of different sizes. Since success in a public accounting firm is indicated by becoming a partner, the personalities of successful public accountants are determined by comparing partners and staff at other levels. Findings indicate that accountants, as a group, have personality profiles that are significantly different from the general population. Significant differences were found between male and female accountants, and between accountants in large and small firms. Personality appears to be a significant factor in promotion as partners have personality profiles that are significantly different from those of accountants at other levels.