Balancing the Yin and the Yang : the Role of Universities in Developing Softer Skills in Accountancy

Abstract

This paper presents an examination of the importance of softer skills in the accountancy profession and a discussion of the contribution that universities can make in supporting the development of these skills. With employers increasingly demanding a greater range of softer skills such as effective communication, the paper is intended to challenge universities to reflect on whether they are maximizing the opportunity to prepare individuals for a career in the accountancy profession. The authors suggest that university lecturers teaching accountancy studies may need to adopt alternative learning methodologies, such as enquiry-based learning, to develop students' softer skills effectively.