Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Roger Mayer
Abstract
Accounting firm leaders face a challenge with employees who lack digital skills. Employees without relevant digital skills put the accounting firm at a competitive disadvantage. Grounded in human capital theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies regional accounting firm leaders used to help employees improve digital skills. Data were collected from six semistructured interviews with partners, directors, and managers with three years or more of experience who participated in the training and professional development process at four regional accounting firms in the Houston, Texas area. The review of company documents and company website postings triangulated the semistructured interviews. Data analysis entailed coding, conceptualizing concepts, identifying themes, and member checking. Three themes emerged, including digital skills needed for success, demonstrating investment in digital skills training, and benefits and challenges of digital skills training. One key recommendation was to offer training opportunities and intergenerational mentorship to accounting employees. The implications for positive social change include the potential to increased employee employability, work and life balance, job satisfaction, and client satisfaction, which may improve local communities' economic stability and growth.
Recommended Citation
Zhu, Limin, "Exploring the Significance of Digital Skills Training for Accountants" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13934.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13934
