STATUS OF ETHICS EDUCATION IN BUSINESS SCHOOLS

Abstract

This report assesses the importance of ethics education courses among business programs for accounting majors. It evaluates the current state of ethics coverage required at business schools. Its focus is to examine why some universities have a separate required course in the business curriculum for ethics. The authors attempted to see if there were some identifiable variables that affected this decision. Factors such as funding sources, accreditation status and state CPA requirements were considered. Further consideration was given to possible reasons why there are so few programs that require dedicated ethics courses. The results are that Academia has determined that they have a responsibility in shaping ethical values in students. Yet, they are unclear as to how this should be incorporated into the curriculum.

The findings of this paper indicate a universal concern for ethical standards for accounting professionals. This concern is evidenced by the passage of the Sarbanes Oxley Act, inclusion of ethics requirements for continuing education by state societies, and recommendations by

accreditation bodies. Academia traditionally explained their lack of a specific ethics course on the grounds of its inclusion in other fundamental courses. However, academia needs to be in the forefront of providing the foundations necessary for accounting students to process ethical dilemmas faced in decision making. As evident from the demise of Arthur Andersen and Enron, the demand for ethics education will not subside. Current trends suggest that ethics will become more important in the future.