Objectives of accounting ethics education : perceptions of qualified accountants in Malta

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this dissertation is to gain an insight into the perceptions of qualified accountants in Malta regarding the objectives of accounting ethics education, as well as gaining an insight into the objectives of current accounting ethics education offered in Malta whilst highlighting any similarities or differences between the two. Design: The objectives of this study were obtained through a questionnaire which was completed by 100 qualified accountants who work in Malta, of whom 8 are qualified accountants who also sit on the Accountancy Board and/or on a committee within the Malta Institute of Accountants, Findings: The findings suggested that there were no significant differences regarding the objectives of accounting ethics education between the perceptions of qualified accountants who sit on the Accountancy Board or on an MIA committee, and those qualified accountants who do not. A significant difference arises within their perceptions of whether current accounting ethics education is achieving its objectives or not. Findings also suggest that participants think that ultimately accounting ethics education should apply practical objectives which would help accountants to face real-life ethical dilemmas. Moreover, it was also found that the majority think that accounting ethics education should be ongoing throughout the whole career of the accountant. Conclusions: The objectives assigned to different accounting ethics courses/modules offered in Malta are all similar in nature. According to qualified accountants, the ultimate objective of accounting ethics education ought to be that of creating a sense of duty within the student. Furthermore, other objectives should be designed in a way so as to help students recognise and address ethical conflicts. Whilst there is no significant difference between the objectives assigned to current accounting ethics courses/modules and the perceptions of qualified accountants, it seems that qualified accountants would assign more practical objectives rather than theoretical ones. Value: It is hoped that this dissertation would help in developing clearer and better defined objectives of accounting ethics education which would help in achieving higher learning outcomes. The objectives and the structure of accounting ethics education should be designed in a manner so as to address the ethical conflicts an accountant faces in the course of his work.