Exploring the Upward Mobility of Women in Accounting Firms in Ghana: The Labyrinth Metaphor

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the upward mobility of women in accounting firms in Ghana. It examines various experiences encountered by women in comparison to those encountered by men in the profession, through the lens of the “labyrinth metaphor”, including their coping strategies. The study employed an exploratory qualitative case study approach, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from a sample of 13 female and 8 male chartered accountants in managerial positions in ten accounting firms in Ghana. The results show that although women are rising to top management levels in the sampled firms, they are still underrepresented. The results further show that both men and women go through tough detours to get to the top but the routes of women are more complex, especially for those in the International firms. In addition, the study revealed that to be able to face the “labyrinth”, factors such as mentorship, love for the profession, early qualification, assertiveness, ambition, hard work and a strong support system are essential. This research is one of the few studies based on evidences from male and female accountants in both International and Local accounting firms in a developing country. The study also instigates the need for further studies to address the “labyrinth” metaphor and its effects associated with both genders in accounting in developing economies to be able to make any statistical generalisation.