SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF CAREER PROGRESSION OF FEMALE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS IN ACADEMIA IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

This study sought to examine the relationship between cultural and social factors in the career progression of female professional accountants in academia in southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design; and utilized the qualitative method of data collection by distributing electronic copies of the questionnaire to the Accounting Departments in selected Higher Institutions across South Western Nigeria. The study used Structural modeling to analyse the data and discovered that female professional accountant career progression was hampered by many social factors like lack of mentors and role models, gender discrimination, family obligation, and the like. The Study recommended that academic institutions partner with professional bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and design a Mentor – mentee model, especially for females whereby when talented females are recruited as Academics, a mentor will be appointed for proper career counselling and mentorship; and the Senior Academics will serve as role model to the Junior Academics. Also, institutions can assist females in academics to break through the glass ceiling imposed on them through cultural belief by creating an enabling working environment and organizational culture that is non-discriminatory against females and encourages them to utilize their full potential.