The Status of Women in the Accounting Profession in Jordan: An Exploratory Study


  •  Rasha Qasem    
  •  Modar Abdullatif    

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the status of women in the accounting profession in Jordan by analysing the differences between males and females working in accounting-related jobs in Jordan in terms of their personal characteristics and the effects of workplace conditions on them, and what these factors may have on pay levels and job progress for both sexes. The study also aimed to compare the status of women in accounting-related jobs in Jordan with that in developed countries. To achieve that, the study used semi-structured interviews with 31 individuals (men and women) who work in accounting-related jobs (such as accounting, financial management, internal auditing, and external auditing). The content of the interviews was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings showed differences between men and women in accounting-related jobs in Jordan due to the nature of the individual and to the Jordanian culture and the adaptation to the conditions of the workplace. These differences were found to have an effect on the pay levels and job progress of both sexes, with some discrimination against females on these issues. Despite being an international phenomenon, discrimination against women in accounting-related jobs was found to be larger in Jordan than in developed countries due to the characteristics of the Jordanian society and culture and the characteristics of the Jordanian workplace.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.