A comment on the paper “The Accountant: a Character in Literature” and an agenda for research on the accountant stereotype

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to explain the contextual basis for examining the accountant stereotype, describe the multiple influences on its development and propose directions for further research. Design/methodology/approach: This paper takes the form of a review. It discusses a research paper published in the current issue of Meditari Accountancy Research which undertakes a content analysis using the General Inquirer to identify the image of accountants as represented in novels. Findings: Several issues need to be considered when examining these results. The first of these is that the portrayal of accountants in the media has become more positive in recent times. Second, the media is just one influence on the development of stereotypes; third, the media may have limited influence on stereotype formation. Research limitations/implications: The findings have implications for further research on the development and maintenance of the accountant stereotype. Originality/value: This review contributes to the debate on possible interventions to create a more positive image of accountants.