Perception of Business Ethics Among Students

Abstract

It is generally believed that ethical perception of individuals is a function of their moral development. Since this is also developed over time given people experiences, and against the backdrop that students field of study are likely to affect their business ethics posture, this study generally sought to examine gender and educational differences in perception of business ethics among university students in Ogun state, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Our sampling frame was year three and four management and non-students from a public and a private universities in the state. We obtained primary data from a total of 227 students selected through a purposeful sampling method. Questionnaire constituted the main research instruments for obtaining primary data. Our T-test result indicated that there is no significant difference in student’s perception of business ethics based on both gender and age. However, the result indicated positive and significant difference in the students’ perception of business ethics based on their major course of study, where the management students ranked higher in their attitude to ethics in business. Similarly, there was a significant difference in the attitude of the students to ethics in business based on their schools as private university students scored higher in .The study therefore recommends that tertiary institutions should include ethical courses to all students irrespective of their majors and punish students who are involved in academic dishonesty.