Social cognitive career theory and rural high school learners’ intentions to pursue an accounting career

ABSTRACT The extended social cognitive career theory (SCCT) suggests that career intentions are influenced by person inputs, background contextual affordances, learning experiences, self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectations, as well as satisfaction and well-being in academic and work settings. The main purpose of the current study was to examine the career intentions of South African high school learners towards a career in the accounting field. Using proportionate stratified random sampling, 305 learners from eight high schools in a rural community were surveyed. Respondents’ intentions to pursue a career in accounting were significantly positively correlated with self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectations. Work satisfaction, earning potential, self-efficacy expectations, personal interest, Accounting being offered as a subject and having a family member in the accounting field are factors influencing participants’ career choice. Recommendations are made that could assist in better-informed career decision-making, guidance and support for learners who wish to pursue a career in the accounting field.