People believe that accounting is a pretty boring profession, according to a
The study did not make absolute claims over what is and is not boring but instead delved into what people perceive as boring. It involved polling more than 500 people over a series of five different experiments about what they find boring, how boring these choices are compared to each other, and how the respondents react to boring individuals.
In terms of professions, subjects said the five jobs most associated with boring people, from most to least, are: data analysis, accounting, tax/insurance, cleaning and banking. Conversely, the most exciting professions were, from most to least: performing arts, science, journalism, health professional and teaching.
The study also found that being perceived as boring leads people to perceive one as having low competence and low interpersonal warmth. The paper said this, in turn, could lead to people perceived as boring to be at greater risk of harm, addiction and mental health issues due to potential social ostracization.
Certain observers of the accounting profession may take issue with this characterization, given the wide array of jobs available for accountants in virtually every industry, many of which could be perceived as, if not exciting, at least not boring. The results suggest a lack of knowledge among the test subjects of what accountants actually do.
The researchers agreed that the view of accountants, among other professionals, may not be entirely fair, and lamented that those so judged lack opportunities to prove these perceptions wrong because, as the study also found, people tend to avoid those they see as boring. Further, it was pointed out that, boring or no, such professions also play a vital role in society.
“The truth of the matter is people like bankers and accountants are highly capable and have power in society — perhaps we should try not to upset them and stereotype them as boring!” said Dr. Wijnand Van Tilburg, who led the study.
The study also looked into other characteristics that survey respondents might consider boring, concluding that the most boring person in the world will be someone who works in data entry, is religious, lives in a town versus a city, and likes watching TV.
