Work Experience and Gender Effects on the Work Schedule Preferences of Undergraduate Accounting Students

Abstract

Previous research has found that one way for accounting firms to attract qualified candidates is by offering non-traditional work schedules. Other research has examined the effects of alternative work schedules with the finding that productivity increases and job satisfaction, commitment, and tenure are higher when schedule alternatives are available to accounting employees. The current study built on this research and assessed the pre and post graduation schedule preferences of 104 undergraduate students enrolled in accounting classes from a private university in the northeastern United States. Results indicated that: 1) those with greater work experience had a lower preference for a standard workweek post-graduation, and 2) females preferred a standard schedule pre-graduation. Explanations for these findings are discussed along with the limitations of the study.