Deinstitutionalization of Gender-Biased Employment Practices in New Zealand's Accountancy Workplaces

Abstract

Oliver (1992)'s model of deinstitutionalization was used to explore the changes in gender-biased employment practices that have occurred in New Zealand accountancy workplaces over the last twenty years. Evidence was gathered from interviews in 2002 with 69 experienced Chartered Accountants and 3 Human Resource Managers, and in 2006 from 9 young female accountants. Evidence of political. functional and social pressures contributing to deinstitutionalization was present, with social and legislative changes being the most influential. It is suggested that some more subtle gender-biased practices still remain in New Zealand's accountancy workplaces. These relate particularly to senior-level positions.