Importance of quality ethics lessons in accounting education
Grounding lessons on ethics in real-life cases is of utmost importance according to Governors State University (GovState) Accounting Professor Dr. Chevonne Alston, as it can help students connect what they’re learning and discussing in class to real-world applications.
In a recently published article, Alston and her research partner, Dr. Di Wu of California State University-Bakersfield, explored the concept of exposing students to accounting ethics more regularly early-on and the challenges that may come with fostering ethical reasoning skills.
Alston said this research was prompted by the widespread ethical issues cropping up in business, government, and non-profits amongst other organizations. “It is important to discuss these topics in the classroom through the use of case studies as our students are future business leaders with the ability to both question and inform the business world’s ethical compass.”
She added that “ethical behavior is always paramount especially as it relates to managing money and other resources.”
This is particularly true for the accounting profession, Alston said, which operates with a code of ethics and professional conduct. “Accounting is the language of business, and everyone should embrace the information to manage their financial health and lives.”
Reflecting on her published research, Alston noted its importance to GovState.
“Governors State University is an exceptional institution of higher learning. Our research being published in Strategic Finance, the award-winning flagship publication of IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), only helps to heighten the awareness of the university and the great work we’re doing here,” said Alston.
To read Alston and Wu’s article on ethics education, click here.