Non-technical skills and students' overconfidence in accounting

Purpose Despite the institutional calls to include development of non-technical skills as objectives in accounting curriculum and attempts do so, a gap between level exhibited by graduates those needed succeed professional is still perceived. One possible causes could be students' overconfidence, defined very optimistic assessment their own abilities. The main objective paper assess existence overconfidence. Design/methodology/approach Two samples, students employers were surveyed regarding set 22 skills, highlighted relevant literature. This enabled comparison opinions with perceptions concerning demonstrated such skills. Findings results this study support In all score ability higher than differences being statistically significant 21 out Employers who are closer contact entry accountants perceive even lower levels graduates. Research limitations/implications Overconfident would less motivated actively participate activities designed improve resulting underachievement performance. low performance highly valued potentially harm employability. Originality/value Although literature focussing on prolific there few papers comparing views students, no previous studies