Using Experiential Learning to Go Beyond Compliance in Teaching Accounting and Technology Ethics

• In Event: Session A: Teaching, Learning & Curriculum I

Abstract

This paper addresses the definition and importance of ethics education and discusses coverage of ethics education specifically in Accounting and Technology classes. Descriptive and prescriptive research on teaching ethics is reviewed as well as the prominent professional codes of ethics in the accounting and technology fields. Numerous ways to teach ethics are covered, with an emphasis on experiential learning. Compliance with professional codes is necessary, the authors agree, but they assert that there should be an overall goal of providing a basis for recognizing, reasoning, and behavior in ethical situations that moves beyond compliance, changing the way students think about their work situations. The aim is twofold: to educate students in the ethical rules of their profession and in how to think and behave in an ethical manner. Students who successfully demonstrate meeting these goals should be considered to have met the overall ethics education criteria for graduate level programs.

Authors

• Liz Mulig, University of Dallas

• Sue Conger, University of Dallas

• Susan Rhame, University of Dallas

• Sandra Blanke, University of Dallas