Students' Perceptions of Ethics Instruction

Abstract

96 junior and senior accounting students completed a survey on their perception of instruction in ethics. 77% of the respondents felt that ethical behavior and professionalism can be learned in a classroom environment, 89% that ethics/professionalism should be taught at all levels of education, and 77% that ethics should be an integral part of all accounting courses. Students were uncertain whether accounting faculty are qualified to teach ethics and what might be the role of educators in aiding the profession with moral/ethical problems.