Ethical Education and its Effect on Accounting Fraud

Abstract:

Accounting fraud is a substantial problem in the business sector that affects the econom y and the community as a whole. There has been extensive research on the topics surrounding this issue; but not much research on the relationship between ethics education and how it may affect the reduction of accounting fraud. There is a high level of support for ethical education from the scholarl y community; however, it is important to include the thoughts of current students in business programs to find out their attitudes toward ethics education. This research is designed to stimulate discussion and action on the subject of ethics education in relation to accounting fraud. It includes the importance of ethics education in a student’s academic career. A surve y was distributed to find out the opinions of college business majors and their attitude toward accounting fraud and ethical education. Our findings suggest ethics education does have a positive effect on the reduction of accounting fraud.

Introduction:

Accounting fraud has become a serious problem in recent times. This problem probably encourages the public to view accountants suspiciously. As future accountants, we feel it is important to eliminate accounting fraud and regain the respect and trust of the public. Our paper examines ethical issues to determine the best method to achieve this goal. The core of being an accountant begins when one is a student It is then that the student is taught the inner workings of the field. Ethics education has become an important part of the college curriculum and is moving into the business sector as continuing education. Ethical codes established by businesses and the enforcement of the codes are also important.