Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Keith Larick

Second Advisor

Michael McCoy

Third Advisor

Jeneane Prince

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand and describe the leadership role of managerial accountants as it contributes to innovation in start-up businesses in Southern California.

Methodology: The methodology used to understand and describe the leadership role of managerial accountants as it contributes to the innovation and entrepreneurship in start-up businesses in Southern California was a qualitative study. The study participants included 12 entrepreneurs who had started a business in the last five years, had utilized a management accountant on a part-time, full-time or consultant basis and are located in the San Diego, Orange, or Los Angeles counties in California.

Findings: A thorough examination of study participants’ interviews produced four findings. First, management accountants have a minimal role in innovation in a start-up business. Second, management accountants have a critical role in assisting start-up companies in acquiring funding. Third, management accountants can support the innovation of a start-up business by helping with acquiring funding. Finally, management accountants are needed for financial and non-financial information. Conclusions: Based on the existing literature and research findings of this study, the researcher drew four conclusions. First, management accountants can improve the entrepreneurship and sustainability of a start-up business. Second, management accountants support entrepreneurs in acquiring funding and necessary capital to support the sustainability of their business. Third, management accountants’ professional network is critical to the entrepreneurial efforts of start-up businesses. Finally, management accountants’ focus on financials and positive income are the foundation of their services and imperative to start-up business success.

Recommendations: First, it is recommended that a qualitative study be conducted to explore entrepreneurs’ view of management accountants in other parts of California as well as other states. Second, it is recommended that a phenomenological study be conducted to explore and explain the role of management accountants working with business investors. Third, it is recommended that a quantitative study be conducted to examine the differences in the requirements of entrepreneurs in different industries. Finally, other studies could look at the ranking of entrepreneurs’ priorities, wants, and needs, in which a management accountant could assist.

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