What jokes about accountants tell us about accountants role in society

What is it about?

In this paper we conduct an online ethnographic study of people's reactions to an online site of jokes about accountants. We use this data to examine the nature and persistence of the accounting stereotype. We trace this stereotype to the Italian improvisational theatrical style known as Commedia del'Arte and the character of Il Dottore.

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Why is it important?

This study shows that the accountant stereotype is very old and, hence, is difficult to change. Attempts to portray accountants in a manner inconsistent with the stereotype are likely to be seen as disingenuous.

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