CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Assessment of the integration of ethical issues in the accounting curriculum within Nigerian universities is a critical endeavor, given the pivotal role accountants play in upholding financial integrity and ethical standards within organizations. As the global business landscape evolves, the importance of ethical conduct in accounting practices becomes increasingly apparent. Therefore, evaluating the extent to which ethical considerations are incorporated into accounting education is essential for producing ethically conscious professionals capable of navigating complex financial environments. Albrecht, W. S., & Sack, R. J. (2000).
The integration of ethical issues in the accounting curriculum not only shapes the ethical awareness of future accountants but also influences their decision-making processes in real-world scenarios. In Nigeria, where accounting practices are integral to economic development and financial stability, ensuring that accounting education addresses ethical dimensions is paramount. This assessment seeks to explore the adequacy and effectiveness of ethical content within Nigerian accounting programs, considering factors such as curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and faculty expertise. Adzor, F. N., & Adzor, J. H. (2015).
Research in this area has indicated varying degrees of success in integrating ethical issues into accounting education globally, highlighting the need for context-specific evaluations within Nigerian universities. Studies by scholars such as Albrecht and Sack (2000) emphasize the importance of fostering ethical reasoning skills alongside technical proficiency in accounting education. Furthermore, insights from Nigerian scholars like Adzor and Adzor (2015) shed light on cultural factors influencing ethical behavior, underscoring the necessity of tailored approaches in curriculum development.
The findings of this assessment are expected to inform curriculum revisions and educational policies aimed at enhancing ethical awareness and behavior among accounting students in Nigerian universities. By addressing gaps in ethical education, stakeholders can contribute to the cultivation of a more ethical accounting profession, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and trust in financial practices within the Nigerian context. Through a multi-dimensional analysis encompassing pedagogical strategies, institutional support, and industry relevance, this assessment endeavors to advance the discourse on ethical integration in accounting education within Nigeria. Barnabas, E., & Uadiale, O. M. (2014).Top of Form
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
The integration of ethical issues in the accounting curriculum within Nigerian universities presents a significant challenge amidst the evolving landscape of global business practices and ethical standards. Despite the crucial role that accountants play in maintaining financial integrity and transparency, there is a growing concern regarding the adequacy of ethical education within accounting programs. Nigerian universities, tasked with preparing future accounting professionals, must grapple with the complexities of incorporating ethical considerations into their curricula while balancing technical proficiency and cultural relevance. This problem statement seeks to address the extent to which ethical issues are integrated into accounting education in Nigerian universities, examining factors such as curriculum design, faculty expertise, and the effectiveness of teaching methodologies in fostering ethical awareness and decision-making among accounting students. . Albrecht, W. S., & Sack, R. J. (2000).
Moreover, the lack of a standardized framework for evaluating the integration of ethical issues in the accounting curriculum exacerbates the problem, leading to inconsistencies across universities and potentially hindering the development of a robust ethical foundation among accounting graduates. Without a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and shortcomings in ethical education, Nigerian universities risk producing accountants ill-equipped to navigate the ethical dilemmas prevalent in today's business environment. Thus, this study aims to identify key areas for improvement in the integration of ethical issues within the accounting curriculum, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of ethically conscious accounting professionals capable of upholding integrity and ethical standards in Nigeria's financial sector. . Adzor, F. N., & Adzor, J. H. (2015).Top of Form
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Assessment of the Integration of Ethical Issues in the Accounting Curriculum in Nigerian Universities. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To evaluate the extent to which ethical issues are integrated throughout the accounting curriculum in Nigerian universities.
- 2. To identify the methods and approaches used to teach ethical decision-making in accounting courses at Nigerian universities
- To assess the effectiveness of the current approach to integrating ethics in the accounting curriculum in developing students' ethical awareness and reasoning skills.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- 1. To what extent are ethical issues explicitly addressed and discussed in required accounting courses offered by Nigerian universities?
- 2. What teaching methods and resources are used to integrate ethical decision-making skills into the accounting curriculum at Nigerian universities?
- Do students perceive the current approach to ethics education in their accounting program to be effective in developing their personal and professional ethical awareness and reasoning abilities?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between Integration of Ethical Issues and Accounting Curriculum in Nigerian Universities.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Accounting Education sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Akwa Ibom State University. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
REFERENCES
Albrecht, W. S., & Sack, R. J. (2000). Accounting education: Charting the course through a perilous future. Accounting Education, 9(1), 1-13.
Adzor, F. N., & Adzor, J. H. (2015). Ethical conduct and the accounting profession in Nigeria: A review of the Nigerian banking crisis. International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, 5(4), 1-10.
Barnabas, E., & Uadiale, O. M. (2014). The impact of ethical culture of Nigerian banks on customers' satisfaction: A case study of selected banks in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Management, 9(9), 191-201.
Jubb, P. B. (2001). Ethics and auditing: An international perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 30(1), 47-54.
