Accounting career decision-making choices of rural high school learners in Amathole East, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Mbali, Asisipo

Accounting career decision-making choices of rural high school learners in Amathole East, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2025

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

College of Accounting

Faculty

Faculty of Commerce

Abstract

Career decision-making continues to be a concern for high school learners. This is an even bigger concern for learners in rural based high schools due to lack of knowledge about various careers. This study sought to understand accounting career decisionmaking choices of rural high school learners in selected schools of Amathole East in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The purpose of this study was to understand what influences or motivates the career choices of rural high school learners when choosing a career in accounting. The study is grounded upon the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). A quantitative approach was adopted using paper-based questionnaires. The questionnaires were completed by 414 mathematics learners in 9 high schools in the district. The findings indicate that these learners lack knowledge of various accounting careers and that this may impact their decision of whether or not to pursue a career in accounting. The findings of the study also identify relevant interventions to raise awareness about various accounting career pathways for learners in rural high schools, that may be useful to tertiary institutions and professional accounting bodies.