Determinants of University Students’ Satisfaction with Their Education in Professional Ethics: Evidence from a New Sample

Abstract

This study analyzes the determinants of students’ satisfaction with the ethical education received in the University. We aim to determine if there exists a demand for ethical instruction on behalf of the university students that is not being covered. To achieve our goal, we carried out a survey in the University of Seville in 2007. Information was collected regarding personal, work, and academic characteristics, the type of instruction in Professional Ethics received and the level of self-confidence and cooperativeness of those surveyed. Based on the survey and using an ordered probit model, we conclude that a significant percentage of students is dissatisfied with the ethical instruction received, which shows that a demand for such a subject exists. Moreover, older students who have worked or collaborated in volunteer activities appear to be most dissatisfied than those who have taken classes in ethics or who show a higher level of self-confidence.