The Impact of Business Ethics Education on Attitudes Toward Corporate Ethics of BCom. Accounting Students at the University of Zululand

Abstract

Corporate Ethics have been the focus of attention in recent years. This is predominantly due to the prevalence of corporate scandals and abundance of unethical behaviour portrayed by prominent individuals. The need for ethical leaders in business is undisputed, but how this can be achieved is more difficult to determine. This study seeks to assess the impact of business ethics education on students’ attitudes toward corporate ethics.

The study found the business ethics course presented to have little effect on students’ attitudes as measured by the survey instrument, but some students reported to have found the information presented challenging and life changing.

As significant resources are allocated to the teaching of ethics it would be prudent to conduct further research into the effectiveness thereof. The purpose of such being to develop a standard of best practice in the teaching of ethics rather than to justify not doing so.

Key Words:

• Business ethics
• university students
• ethical behavior
• ethics course
• SAICA requirements and attitudes