Future-proofing the public accounting profession: developing a model of technology acceptance for public accounting firms

• Main Authors: Tugas, Florenz C., Tullao, Tereso S., Jr
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: ethical perception; public accounting firms; teamwork competence; technology acceptance model; technology readiness
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/ber/vol34/iss1/7
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aims to develop a socio-technical model of technology acceptance for public accounting firms in the Philippines. To do this, human construct (teamwork competence [TC] and technology readiness [TR]) and belief construct (ethical perception [EP]) were incorporated in the 1989 technology acceptance model (TAM) of Davis, which was composed of belief construct (perceived usefulness [PU] and perceived ease of use [PEOU]) and intention to use (ITU) construct. Data were collected from 609 external auditors from 11 Philippine-based public accounting firms with international affiliations. These were analyzed using partial least squares – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The final model showed that TC significantly weakens the PU-ITU link and EP significantly impacts ITU. The following are, therefore, recommended: (a) give regard to the TC of external auditors when rolling out new audit technologies; (b) institutionalize policies on ethics in technology; and (c) explore TR as antecedent to PU, PEOU, and EP. Finally, in a sea of TAM modifications, the final model is a rich addition to the list of those in the non-mainstream group. The final model has added a new construct (human construct), introduced a new variable in the belief construct (ethical perception), and made use of both direct and moderating links.