Current issues in PhD supervision of accounting and finance students: evidence from Australia and New Zealand

Amid Khosa, Steven Burch, Esin Ozdil, Carla Wilkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper reports on the current trends in accounting and finance PhD supervision in Australia and New Zealand. By examining the various supervision styles adopted by students and supervisors, we identified various tensions, including the influence of performance outcomes that may hinder the vibrant spirit of inquiry that should be intrinsic to the PhD journey and to future academia. Our findings demonstrated both supervisor and student preference for more structured (contractual or directorial) styles of supervision. Changes consistent with this preference include group supervision, the closer alignment of student research topics with supervisor interests, and the preference for certain research paradigms and a focus on journal publications. While students and supervisors regard these changes as key elements in addressing the performance demands associated with PhD outcomes, they present challenges for attaining a balance between product (thesis/contribution to knowledge) and process (students' journeys towards scholarship), together with supervisors' roles therein.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100874
Number of pages15
JournalThe British Accounting Review
Volume52
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2020

Keywords

  • Performance standards
  • PhD supervision
  • Accounting and finance
  • Supervision models
  • Supervisory styles
  • Structure and support

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