Factors that influence choice of major: why some students never consider economics

Calkins, Lindsay Noble; Welki, Andrew M.

doi:10.1108/03068290610678707

Cited by 60 publications

(59 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Earlier studies can be related to the findings of [15] and [16] which claim that parental influence is great when it comes to choosing majors. Somehow, parents who are related to a particular field tend to create an environment, which gives their children similar peer effects that relate to the career line they are in.…”

Section: Parental and Peers Influencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Parental and Peer Influences upon Accounting as a Subject and Accountancy as a Career

Hashim¹,

Embong²

2015

JOEBM

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Abstract-The study sought to investigate the level of influence between parents and peers of Malaysian school students in selecting their career choice as accountants. The study used a mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sample comprised of 309 secondary school students studying accounting principle or commerce subject as respondents to this research. The findings revealed that parents, mothers, in particular are more influential in career choice of the secondary school students compared to their peers. The study discovered that parents' educations have no influence over their children's choice of career. The findings from his study will help teachers and educators have a greater sensitivity to, and a better understanding of the impacts parents and peers' influence have on school students' career choice, as accountant is a worthy profession for them to venture into.

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Section: Parental and Peers Influencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Peers or friends [29]- [31] may provide information, opinions, verbal encouragement,and support regarding the selection of their major subjects.This is however contradicted with the findings of [23] where peers had very little influence on their decision.…”

Section: Peers Influencementioning

confidence: 99%

Parental and Peer Influences upon Accounting as a Subject and Accountancy as a Career

Hashim¹,

Embong²

2015

JOEBM

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“…Female subjects often cited male professors and/or fathers as having provided significant support as they pursued degrees and careers in IT (Trauth, 2002;Turner, Bernt, & Pecora, 2002;Zeldin & Pajares, 2000). Social influences may be greater for females than for males (Bartol, 1976;Calkins & Welki, 2006;Farley & Staniec, 2004). Parental influence may vary by major, with parents being more involved when students select some majors (e.g., engineering) than others (Astin, 1993).…”

Section: Interpersonal Influencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Parents (Calkins & Welki, 2006;Farley & Staniec, 2004), high school teachers or counselors (Calkins & Welki, 2006;Mauldin et al, 2000), college instructors (Saemann & Crooker, 1999;Strasser et al, 2002), and friends or other students (Bartol, 1976;Calkins & Welki, 2006;Mauldin et al, 2000), may provide information, opinions, verbal encouragement, and support regarding the selection of a college major. They may also serve as role models or vicarious examples of success or failure.…”

Section: Interpersonal Influencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Selecting a Business Major Within the College of Business

Roach¹,

McGaughey²,

Downey³

2012

AIJ

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“…In a study of accounting majors, the amount of course work required to graduate was a significant influence in choice of major (Cohen & Hanno, 1993). Some students tend to choose majors based in part on how difficult or easy the major is perceived to be (Calkins & Welki, 2006;Lowe & Simons, 1997). …”

Section: External Influencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Attitudes and Influences toward Choosing a Business Major: The Case of Information Systems

2011

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Executive SummaryDeclining enrollment in MIS Departments in Colleges of Business has been the norm for many if not most universities since the dot.com bust of 2000. This has serious repercussions for the departments involved, students, and the companies that hire MIS graduates. In order to reverse this trend, an understanding of the important factors which influence students to choose a major is critical. Of crucial importance for MIS Departments is understanding the competition: the majors students choose instead of MIS. This study examines the influences of what is probably an MIS Department's greatest competitor: other majors within the College of Business. What factors and influences propel students to major in a business discipline other than MIS? Using the Theory of Reasoned Action as a framework, this study examines the similarities and differences between two groups of business majors: MIS majors and non-MIS majors. Using a survey of 413 undergraduate business majors, this study examines the influences which shape attitudes toward choice of major and a student's intention to work in his or her major field. Using structured equation modeling, the findings suggest some common influences across all majors (interest in the field, job availability, and job security), and many differences between the two groups (aptitude, social and personal image, workload of major, and influence of family, friends, other students, and professors). These similarities and differences suggest several ways to approach undecided students with the hope of gaining additional MIS majors. This also applies to students who may consider switching majors. The results of the study provide faculty with the information needed to better counsel and advise students, enhancing a fit between student and career, while simultaneously increasing technology majors.

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Factors that influence choice of major: why some students never consider economics

Cited by 60 publications

References 17 publications

Parental and Peer Influences upon Accounting as a Subject and Accountancy as a Career

Parental and Peer Influences upon Accounting as a Subject and Accountancy as a Career

Selecting a Business Major Within the College of Business

Attitudes and Influences toward Choosing a Business Major: The Case of Information Systems

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