Implications of work/family strategies on Chartered Accountants’ career status

Abstract

Previous literature indicates that female chartered accountants in New Zealand are less commonly found in senior career positions than their male counterparts and that this is partially due to childrearing responsibilities. Therefore, interviews with twenty-seven male and female experienced chartered accountants in 2002 are analysed to investigate the strategies that these individuals use to combine work and family responsibilities, and how this relates to their career success. A five-part typology (Traditional Men, Traditional Women, Work First Women, Family Balancers and Stepping Stone Men) is used to describe the different strategies used. Some recommendations to enhance women’s career progression are suggested.