Author

Erin Bynum

Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Accounting BSBA

Department

Accounting

First Advisor

Winston Robert Smith, Ph.D.

Advisor Department

Accounting

Abstract

This study analyzed the results of career success assessments of hypothetical public accountants working remotely and in a traditional office setting to determine if remote work affects assessments by partners, managers, and staff accountants. Subjects were randomly assigned resumes that included indications of either remote work or traditional in-office work. Resumes were otherwise identical. After an initial assessment of an assigned hypothetical accountant, subjects were asked to recommend activities that would increase the likelihood of future career success. Subjects were then told that the hypothetical accountant engaged in the recommended activity and were provided a description of a high or low level of achievement. This process was repeated, and subjects, then, evaluated the hypothetical accountant in light of this new information. The results suggest that remote workers are not penalized by partners, managers, or staff when assessing the likelihood of future career success. These results are consistent with comparisons of actual and appropriate levels of remote work. Subjects seemed comfortable with current or even higher levels of remote work.

Included in

Accounting Commons

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