Van der Schyf, D.B.2009-01-222009-01-222008Van der Schyf, DB 2008, 'Five recent developments’ impact on the traditional academic culture of Departments of Accounting at South African universities', Meditari: Accountancy Research, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 1-12. [http://www.meditari.org.za]1022-2529http://hdl.handle.net/2263/8684The fact that Departments of Accounting at South African universities, whose academic programmes are accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), have for many years focused primarily only on the academic training of prospective chartered accountants, has established a culture that is removed from research, and this is in contrast to the nature of a university. The aim of this paper is to evaluate some recent developments in the South African academic environment that may promote a research culture and to point out the coercive role these developments may play in changing the existing culture of a Department of Accounting. The study concludes that in view of a list of specific recent developments in the national academic environment, Departments of Accounting will be forced to change course toward becoming more research oriented. A number of recommendations are made to expedite the process.enSchool of Accounting Sciences, University of PretoriaDepartments of Accounting (South Africa)Higher Education Qualifications FrameworkIFAC’s International Education Standards for Professional AccountantsInternational context of Departments of AccountingQuality assurance in Departments of AccountingSAICA’s syllabus contentScholarly activity (search for truthful knowledge in accounting)The essence of a universityAccounting -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South AfricaArticle