Trends in Digital and Critical Thinking Skills Research in Millennials Accountant Profession: A Bibliometric Analysis
Abstract
The accounting profession faces numerous challenges in the era of digitalization. With the constant evolution of technology, the skill of critical thinking is becoming increasingly valuable. Accounting professionals are responsible for making critical choices using financial data, predictions, and analytical techniques. The capacity for critical thinking is of utmost importance in the digital age due to the abundance and complexity of data. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the trends in articles published on digital and critical thinking skills in the millennial accountant profession by using bibliometric analysis and VOS viewer software. The data were collected from the Scopus database from 2014 to February 2024, with 456 published papers with the keywords “Millennial”, “accountant profession”, “digital skills”, and “critical thinking”. The finding shows that higher education remains the predominant author keyword in academic writing over the previous decade, with accounting education ranking second rather than critical thinking abilities. The top ten articles do not directly correspond to the digital and critical thinking abilities of Millennial accountants. This study contributes to the literature on the Millennial accountant profession by providing interdisciplinary approaches incorporating technology-enhanced learning methods, case studies, and real-world simulations to develop holistic skill sets among aspiring accountants.
Downloads
References
Aboelmaged, M. & Mouakket, S. (2020). Influencing models and determinants in big data analytics research: A bibliometric analysis. Information Processing and Management, 57(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipm.2020.102234
Ahmad, M., Zainuddin, Z., Abdul Latif, N., Abd Halim, F., Mohamed Yusof, F. & Sulaiman, S. (2022). Accounting graduate employability among the Millennial generation: Malaysian evidence. Accounting & Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ) Conference. Melbourne, Australia.
Ahmi, A. & Mohd Nasir, M. (2019). Examining the trend of the research on extensible business reporting language (xbrl): A bibliometric review. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 5(2).
Allen, S. & Debevec, K. (2021). The impact of generational diversity on critical thinking skills among accountants. Journal of Accounting Education, 58. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaccedu.2021.100747
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. (2012). Closing the value gap: understanding the accountancy profession in the 21st century. Survey. Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/technical-activities/technical-resources-search/2012/august/closing-the-value-gap.html
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. (2016). Drivers of change and future skills. Retrieved from https://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/members-beta/docs/ea-patf-drivers-of-change-and-future-skills.pdf
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. (2018). Professional accountants – the future: Emotional quotients in a digital age. Retrieved from. https://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam /ACCA_Global/professional-insights/Emotional_quotient/pi-emotional-quotient-digital-age.pd
Bradford, A. (1987). Critical thinking in the workplace. Retrieved from Retrieved from http://www.faculty.umb.edu//Bradford
Bruns, H., Christensen, M. & Pilkington, A. (2020). Intellectual heritages of post-1990 public sector accounting research: an exploration. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 2077-2110. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-08-2018-3644
Chartered Global Management Accountant. (2018). Changing competencies and mindsets. Retrieved from https://www.cgma.org/content/dam/cgma/resources/reports/downloadabledocuments/changing-competencies-mindsets-cgma.pd
Committee to Strengthen the Accountancy Profession (CSAP). (2014). Report on the Strengthening of the Accountancy Profession in Malaysia (CSAP).
Considine, D., Horton, J. & Moorman, G. (2009). Teaching and reaching the millennial generation through media literacy. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 52(6), 471-481. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1598/JAAL.52.6.2
Cottrell, S. (2017). Critical thinking skills: Developing effective analysis and argument. Palgrave Macmillan. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55052-1
Dahesh, M., Tabarsa, G., Zandieh, M. & Hamidizadeh, M. (2020). Reviewing the intellectual structure and evolution of the innovation systems approach: A social network analysis. Technology in Society. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101399
Damasiotis, V., Trivellas, P., Santouridis, I., Nikolopoulos, S. & Tsifora, E. (2015). IT Competences for Professional Accountants. A review. International Conference on Strategic Innovative Marketing. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 175, 537–545. Madrid, Spain: Elsevier Ltd. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.01.1234 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.01.1234
Goel, V., Unny, B., Shome. & Gupta, Y. (2023). Digital labor: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Organizational Analysis. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-12-2022-3558
Gulin, D., Hladika, M. & Valenta, I. (2019, September). Digitalization and the Challenges for the Accounting Profession. SSRN Electronic Journal, 428–437. doi:https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3492237 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3492237
Gursoy, D., Chi, C. & Karadag, E. (2013). Generational differences in work values and attitudes among frontline and service contract employees. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 32(1), 40-48. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2012.04.002
Haller, C., Fisher, R. & Gapp, R. (2007). Reflection as a Means of Understanding: Ways in Which Confucian Heritage Students Learn and Understand Organisational Behaviour. Multicultural Education & Technology Journal, 1(1), 6-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17504970710745175
Hassan, H., Hassan, M., Idris, M. & Mohd Amin, S. (2021). Critical thinking skills among millennial accountants: The role of educational background and professional development. Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, 19(1), 84-101. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRA-07-2019-0098
Helsper, E., Scheider, L., van Deursen, A. & van Laar, E. (2020). The Youth Digital Skills Indicator: Report on the conceptualization and development of the digital skills measure.
Hershatter, A. & Epstein, M. (2010). Millennials and the world of work: An organization and management perspective. Journal of Business and Psychology, 25(2), 211-223. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-010-9160-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-010-9160-y
Ibrahim, S., Yusoff, W. & Rashid, I. (2021). A systematic review of disruptive technology within accounting and accounting sector. AIP Conference Proceedings. AIP Conference Proceedings. doi:https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0044297 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0044297
International Telecommunication Union Academy. (2020). Digital Skills Insights. Retrieved from https://academy.itu.int/index.php/main-activities/research-publications/digital-skills-insights/digital-skills-insights-2020
Jones, C., Ramanau, R., Cross, S. & Healing , G. (2010). Net generation or Digital Natives: Is there a distinct new generation entering university? Computers & Education, 54(3), 722-732. doi:https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.09.022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.09.022
Kupenova, Z., Baimukhanova, S., Nurgalieva, G., Zhunisova, G. & Nurmukhan, A. (2020). Digital economy and its role in accounting. E3S Web of Conferences, 159. doi:https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202015904032 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202015904032
Kurfiss, J. (1988). Critical thinking: theory, research, practice, and possibilities. Washington, D.C.:Association for the Study of Higher Education. 2. Washington, D.C.: Association for the Study of Higher Education.
Larsson, K. (2017). Understanding and teaching critical thinking—A new approach. International Journal of Educational Research, 84, 32-34. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2017.05.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2017.05.004
Louwers, T., Blay, A., Sinason, D. & Strawser, J. (2017). Auditing & assurance services (7th ed.). . McGraw-Hill Education.
Lyon, J. (2023). Global talent trends 2023. Professional insight report. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/pro-accountants-the-future/global-talent-trends-2023.html
Machado, S. (2022, May 11). Developing the skills of a sustainable business and finance professional. Retrieved March 2, 2024, from https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/pro-accountants-the-future/developing-skills-sustainable-business-finance-professional.html
Meho, L. & Yang, K. (2007). Impact of data sources on citation counts and rankings of LIS faculty: Web of Science versus Scopus and Google Scholar. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 58(13), 2105–2125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.20677
Merigo, J., Gil-Lafuente, A. & Yager, R. (2015). An overview of fuzzy research with bibliometric indicators. Applied Soft Computing, (27), 420-433. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2014.10.035
Morrison, A., Yuen, S. & Salamin, A. (2020). Shaping a digital mindset in accountancy: Insights from accounting professionals. Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, 16(4), 630-650. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-09-2019-0113
Munodei, A. & Sibindi, A. B. (2023). Fintech Innovation in Social Service Provision: A Bibliometric Review. Social Sciences, 12(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12010047
Munter, M. (2016). Guide to managerial communication (10th ed.). Pearson.
Ngoo, Y., Tiong, K. & Pok, W. (2015). Bridging the gap of perceived skills between employers and accounting graduates in Malaysia. American Journal of Economics, 5(2), 98-104. doi:10.5923/c.economics.201501.09
Nguyen, D., Mahieu, P. & Tann, J. (2020). How millennials communicate: The impact of communication methods on job satisfaction and turnover intention. Journal of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflict, 24(1), 1-18. doi:https://doi.org/1
Noor, S., Razak, A., Basirah, W., Noor, W., Huzaimi, Y. & Jusoh, M. (2021). Embracing Digital Economy: Drivers, Barriers and Factors Affecting Digital Transformation of Accounting Professionals. International Journal of Advanced Research in Economics and Finance, 3(3), 63–71. Retrieved from http://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijaref
Park, J. & Gursoy, D. (2012). Generation effects on work engagement among U.S. hotel employees. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 31(4), 1195-1202. doi:https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2012.02.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2012.02.007
Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2006). Critical thinking: The nature of critical and creative thought. Journal of Developmental Education, 30(2), 34-35.
Pawassar, C. M. & Tiberius, V. (2021). Virtual Reality in Health Care: Bibliometric Analysis. JMIR Serious Games, 9(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/32721
Poo, C. (2023, July 11). Malaysia far from 2030 target of 60,000 accounting professionals. Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/673451
Ridgway, V., McCusker, A. & Litvin, D. (2019). The role of critical thinking in accountants' judgments when working with complex judgments: Implications for accounting educators. Journal of Accounting Education, 47. doi:100676. https://doi.org/10.1016/
Rodrigues, S., van Eck, N., Waltman, L. & Jansen, F. (2014). Mapping patient safety: A large-scale literature review using bibliometric visualization techniques. BMJ Open, 4(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004468
Rogers, G., Persson, A. & Olsson, U. (2020). Accountants' perceptions of the impact of digitization on their professional work: A Swedish perspective. Journal of Management Control, 31(3-4), 235-260. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00187-020-00309-6
Secinaro, S., Dal Mas, F., Brescia, V. & Calandra, D. (2021). Blockchain in the accounting, auditing and accountability fields: a bibliometric and coding analysis. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 35(9), 168-203. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-10-2020-4987
Silva, R., Inácio, H. & Marques, R. (2022). Blockchain implications for auditing: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Digital Accounting Research, 22, 163-192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4192/1577-8517-v22_6
Spilker, B., Ayers, B., Robinson, J., Elder, R. & Jay, D. (2016). Fraud examination (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Thiemann, M. & Priester, S. (2024). Bridging the gaping hole: central bank economists’ role in the rise of macro-finance post-crisis. Archives Europeennes de Sociologie. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003975623000516
Tran, V. (2018). Impact of millennials' digital literacy on their job performance and job satisfaction in the digital era. Journal of Work-Applied Management, 11(1), 1-22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-01-2018-0003
Twenge, J. M., Campbell, W. K. & Freeman, E. C. (2012). Generational differences in young adults' life goals, concern for others, and civic orientation, 1966–2009. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 102(5), 1045-1062. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027408 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027408
Uyob, R., Saad, R. & Ahmi, A. (2019). A review of the study on the impacts of the extensible business reporting language (XBRL). International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 2320-2329.
Van Den Heuvel, S., Buijs, J. & Buijs, A. (2021). Innovations in accounting education: An overview of recent trends and developments. Journal of Accounting.
Wider, W., Jiang, L., Lin, J., Fauzi, M., Li, J. & Chan, C. (2023). Metaverse Chronicles: A Bibliometric Analysis of Its Evolving Landscape. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2227825
Zainuddin, Z., Ahmad, M., Abdul Latif, N., Mohamed Yusof, F. & Sulaiman, S. (2021). Digital Transformation of Accounting Profession: Post COVID-19 Era. 8th International Conference on Science & Social Research (CSSR 2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI8.3925
Zainuddin, Z., Ahmad, M., Abdul Latif, N., Mohamed Yusof, F. & Sulaiman, S. (2023). Factors Influencing Emerging Competencies Among Professional Accountants in the Cyber Era: Malaysian Evidence. Management and Accounting Review, 27-46.
Zhang, Y., Xiong, F., Xie, Y., Xuan, F. & Gu, H. (2020). The impact of artificial intelligence and blockchain on the accounting profession. IEEE Access, 8(8). doi:https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2020.3000505 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3000505
Zhou, Z., Goh, Y. & Li, Q. (2015). Overview and analysis of safety management studies in the construction industry. Safety Science, (72), 337-350. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2014.10.006
Copyright (c) 2024 MAHFUZAH AHMAD, Nurul Ezhawati Abdul Latif, Faizal Mohamed Yusof, Salina Mad, Maizura Meor Zawawi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Author (s) should affirm that the material has not been published previously. It has not been submitted and it is not under consideration by any other journal. At the same time author (s) need to execute a publication permission agreement to assume the responsibility of the submitted content and any omissions and errors therein. After submission of revised paper in the light of suggestions of the reviewers, the editorial team edits and formats manuscripts to bring uniformity and standardization in published material.
This work will be licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) and under condition of the license, users are free to read, copy, remix, transform, redistribute, download, print, search or link to the full texts of articles and even build upon their work as long as they credit the author for the original work. Moreover, as per journal policy author (s) hold and retain copyrights without any restrictions.
