Harnessing the power of collaborative research
Learn how ICAS is using global collaborative research to gain insight that helps improve our support for you.
You might recently have noticed an increase in the number of times we have sought your opinion through research. For the last five years ICAS has been developing its customer-listening programme. The aim of the programme is to use insight and data to make evidence-based decisions that will shape, and ultimately improve, the support and services we provide.
In the past year this programme has been extended to include collaboration with various other professional bodies. Such a collaborative approach allows us to benefit from larger research studies, covering common issues, but without a large investment.
Mid-career survey results coming soon
A recent example, and one which you may have contributed to, was the accountancy career-path study we undertook alongside fellow members of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW). The research was designed to investigate barriers to progression of mid-career women CAs. Thanks to its collaborative approach, the study was able to access the global CAW professional community.
Over 3,500 Chartered Accountants contributed to the CAW study, the results of which will be released later this year at the launch of an action-plan that will identify areas in which institutes likes ICAS can do more to support women CAs who may consider moving into senior positions.
Gaining an international perspective
The international perspective enjoyed by such studies is particularly valuable for ICAS, with a membership of over 23,000 CAs living and working everywhere from Atlanta to Auckland. This allows us to compare and gain a better understanding of experiences in contrasting countries and cultures. Having this wide pool of insight helps identify shared obstacles faced by women along their career paths, and also increases the likelihood of identifying areas of opportunity and improvement.
Look out for our upcoming survey
The next research project ICAS is collaborating on will focus on issues of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The study will include a range of other professional bodies, from in and out of the accountancy sphere, and will aim to gain a better understanding of the issues faced by our collective members and the actions we can take to improve our support.
The study begins on 26 October and as an ICAS Member you may be contacted to take part. As with all such surveys, your input is not only greatly appreciated, it’s greatly valued and will play a vital role in helping shape services to match the specific needs of our diverse membership.
Learning collective lessons
As with the CAW mid-career research, this upcoming survey will be a great example of the power of research collaboration.
By partnering with a broader range of professional bodies, we will increase our knowledge and understanding of the issues facing a broader range of professionals. We will be able to compare and contrast the various career concerns faced by people in different sectors, to share opportunities for growth and identify transferable solutions.
And working with newer professional bodies, such as the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, will ensure that ICAS is more open to learning collective lessons, better able to challenge our current ways of working, and to consider new ideas – all to the benefit of you, our Members.
