Competing in the era of globalization and digitalization: Implications for accounting education

Abstract

Purpose: The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has transformed workplaces, impacting higher education. This study evaluates a) the validity of constructs like perceived utility, simplicity, intention to use, and attitudes toward IT, and their relationships; and b) critical soft competencies for accounting graduates and implications for curriculum development.

Design/methodology/approach: Data from 244 accounting students at Sam Ratulangi University were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, showing all constructs met validity criteria except one behavioral intention factor.

Findings: This finding confirms that combining technical skills, mastery of digital technology, and developing soft skills are crucial factors for accounting graduates to compete in the era of globalization. Incorporating the Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou philosophy into curricula is recommended to enhance adaptability to organizational cultures.

Research limitations/implications: The proposed model is not exhaustive and can be refined by integrating external factors such as individual, organizational, and cultural influences.

Practical implications: The study highlights the need to integrate technical skills, digital literacy, and soft skills in accounting curricula to improve graduate employability. Incorporating local wisdom, such as Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou, can enhance adaptability to organizational cultures.

Originality/value: This study provides an original contribution by combining academic and practical perspectives to improve the quality of accounting graduates in facing global challenges and the digital era. In addition, integrating the Sitou Timou Tumou Tou concept in accounting education by adopting an inclusive education paradigm that emphasizes character development and soft skills.