Title: Assessing the work-environment fit for accountants: implications for the international talent shortage

Authors: Jeanne H. Yamamura, James W. Westerman

Addresses: University of Nevada Reno, Department of Accounting and IS/026, Reno, Nevada, 89557-0205, USA. ' Appalachian State University, Department of Management, Boone, North Carolina 28608–2089, USA

Abstract: A growing and global |talent crunch| currently exists and is expected to grow |more acute and more widespread| over the next ten years, affecting global development throughout the world. This |talent shortage| has already affected the accounting profession as it is listed among the top ten jobs experiencing difficulty recruiting. Prior research in the management discipline indicates a potential tool in enhancing employee recruitment, satisfaction and retention: the perceived |fit| between an individual and the work environment. This research examines the relevance of work-environment fit in the accounting industry, using the USA as an illustrative example. This study examines the importance of fit with one|s work environment to the job satisfaction of accountants using Moos| Work Environment Scale. Results indicate that fit on the dimensions of goal orientation and systems maintenance is significantly related to the job satisfaction of accountants.

Keywords: accountants; international talent shortage; job satisfaction; retention; USA; United States; work-environment fit; skills shortage; accounting; goal orientation; systems maintenance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAAPE.2007.015230

International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation, 2007 Vol.4 No.2, pp.127 - 141

Published online: 28 Sep 2007 *

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