IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/kap/jbuset/v183y2023i3d10.1007_s10551-021-04947-5.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Developing Ethical Sensitivity in Future Accounting Practitioners: The Case of a Dialogic Learning for Final-Year Undergraduates

Author

Listed:
  • Janie Bérubé

    (Université du Québec à Rimouski)

  • Yves Gendron

    (Université Laval)

Abstract

For many years questions have been posed about the way ethics is taught in accounting education. The teaching of ethics is often criticized for emphasizing the legal dimension to the detriment of the moral one, among other reasons. This case study focuses on an accounting course intended to develop and stimulate students’ critical thinking on accounting and its role in daily life. The investigation is based on an empirical study that took place in the 2015–2016 academic year, when the first author undertook non-participant observation and examined the final term assignment (a short essay) of the great majority of the 120 students enrolled in this course. One of the course’s main features was to expose the students to critical thinking, through analyses and discussions of the roles of accounting and accountants in organizations and society—using research articles as a backdrop to stimulate analysis and discussion. Our investigation suggests that the course is able to sensitize students to professional ethics and responsibilities. Our argument, broadly supported by an empirical case analysis, is that a course centered on a dialogical approach and critical thinking on the role of accounting and accountants in society may impact the development of ethical sensitivity in future accounting practitioners.

Suggested Citation

  • Janie Bérubé & Yves Gendron, 2023. "Developing Ethical Sensitivity in Future Accounting Practitioners: The Case of a Dialogic Learning for Final-Year Undergraduates," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 183(3), pages 763-781, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:183:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-021-04947-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-021-04947-5
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10551-021-04947-5
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s10551-021-04947-5?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lee D. Parker & Deryl Northcott, 2016. "Qualitative generalising in accounting research: concepts and strategies," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 29(6), pages 1100-1131, August.
    2. Nonna Martinov-Bennie & Rosina Mladenovic, 2015. "Investigation of the Impact of an Ethical Framework and an Integrated Ethics Education on Accounting Students’ Ethical Sensitivity and Judgment," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 127(1), pages 189-203, March.
    3. Robyn Ann Cameron & Conor O'Leary, 2015. "Improving Ethical Attitudes or Simply Teaching Ethical Codes? The Reality of Accounting Ethics Education," Accounting Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(4), pages 275-290, August.
    4. Andrew West & Sherrena Buckby, 2020. "Ethics Education in the Qualification of Professional Accountants: Insights from Australia and New Zealand," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 164(1), pages 61-80, June.
    5. Kornberger, Martin & Carter, Chris & Ross-Smith, Anne, 2010. "Changing gender domination in a Big Four accounting firm: Flexibility, performance and client service in practice," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 775-791, November.
    6. repec:eme:aaaj00:09513578910132286 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Young, Joni J. & Annisette, Marcia, 2009. "Cultivating imagination: Ethics, education and literature," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 93-109.
    8. Samuel, Sajay & Dirsmith, Mark W. & McElroy, Barbara, 2005. "Monetized medicine: from the physical to the fiscal," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 249-278, April.
    9. Gabbioneta, Claudia & Greenwood, Royston & Mazzola, Pietro & Minoja, Mario, 2013. "The influence of the institutional context on corporate illegality," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 38(6), pages 484-504.
    10. Lee D. Parker & Deryl Northcott, 2016. "Qualitative generalising in accounting research: concepts and strategies," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 29(6), pages 1100-1131, August.
    11. Prem Sikka & Hugh Willmott & Tony Lowe, 1989. "Guardians of Knowledge and Public Interest: Evidence and Issues of Accountability in the UK Accountancy Profession," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 2(2), pages 1-1, August.
    12. Anne Christensen & Jane Cote & Claire Kamm Latham, 2018. "Correction to: Developing Ethical Confidence: The Impact of Action-Oriented Ethics Instruction in an Accounting Curriculum," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 153(4), pages 1177-1177, December.
    13. Rebele, James E. & St. Pierre, E. Kent, 2015. "Stagnation in accounting education research," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 128-137.
    14. Beverley Jackling & Barry J. Cooper & Philomena Leung & Steven Dellaportas, 2007. "Professional accounting bodies' perceptions of ethical issues, causes of ethical failure and ethics education," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 22(9), pages 928-944, October.
    15. Daniel P. Sorensen & Scott E. Miller & Kevin L. Cabe, 2017. "Developing and Measuring the Impact of an Accounting Ethics Course that is Based on the Moral Philosophy of Adam Smith," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 140(1), pages 175-191, January.
    16. Henri, Jean-Francois, 2006. "Management control systems and strategy: A resource-based perspective," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 529-558, August.
    17. Tara J. Shawver & William F. Miller, 2017. "Moral Intensity Revisited: Measuring the Benefit of Accounting Ethics Interventions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 141(3), pages 587-603, March.
    18. Widener, Sally K., 2004. "An empirical investigation of the relation between the use of strategic human capital and the design of the management control system," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 29(3-4), pages 377-399.
    19. Elaine Doyle & Jane Frecknall Hughes & Barbara Summers, 2013. "An Empirical Analysis of the Ethical Reasoning of Tax Practitioners," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 114(2), pages 325-339, May.
    20. repec:eme:maj000:02686900610661432 is not listed on IDEAS
    21. Samuel Y.S. Chan & Philomena Leung, 2006. "The effects of accounting students' ethical reasoning and personal factors on their ethical sensitivity," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 21(4), pages 436-457, April.
    22. Paisey, Catriona & Paisey, Nicholas J., 2020. "Protecting the public interest? Continuing professional development policies and role-profession conflict in accountancy," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 67.
    23. repec:cup:judgdm:v:5:y:2010:i:1:p:37-53 is not listed on IDEAS
    24. Rachel E. Sturm, 2017. "Decreasing Unethical Decisions: The Role of Morality-Based Individual Differences," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 142(1), pages 37-57, April.
    25. repec:eme:aaaj00:aaaj-04-2015-2026 is not listed on IDEAS
    26. Alan Graham, 2012. "The Teaching of Ethics in Undergraduate Accounting Programmes: The Students' Perspective," Accounting Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(6), pages 599-613, December.
    27. Martin Kornberger & Chris Carter & Anne Ross-Smith, 2010. "Changing gender domination in a Big Four accounting firm : Flexibility, performance and client service in practice," Post-Print hal-02311996, HAL.
    28. Beverley Jackling & Barry J. Cooper & Philomena Leung & Steven Dellaportas, 2007. "Professional accounting bodies' perceptions of ethical issues, causes of ethical failure and ethics education," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 22(9), pages 928-944, October.
    29. Michael C. Jensen, 2003. "Paying People to Lie: the Truth about the Budgeting Process," European Financial Management, European Financial Management Association, vol. 9(3), pages 379-406, September.
    30. Rosina Mladenovic & Nonna Martinov-Bennie & Amani Bell, 2019. "Business Students’ Insights into Their Development of Ethical Decision-Making," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 155(1), pages 275-287, March.
    31. Low, Mary & Davey, Howard & Hooper, Keith, 2008. "Accounting scandals, ethical dilemmas and educational challenges," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 19(2), pages 222-254.
    32. Laura Davenport & Steven Dellaportas, 2009. "Interpreting the Public Interest: A Survey of Professional Accountants," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 19(1), pages 11-23, March.
    33. Martin Kornberger & Chris Carter & Anne Ross-Smith, 2010. "Changing gender domination in a Big Four accounting firm: Flexibility, performance and client service in practice," Post-Print hal-02276735, HAL.
    34. Anne Christensen & Jane Cote & Claire Kamm Latham, 2018. "Developing Ethical Confidence: The Impact of Action-Oriented Ethics Instruction in an Accounting Curriculum," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 153(4), pages 1157-1175, December.
    35. T. Libby & L. Thorne, 2007. "The Development of a Measure of Auditors’ Virtue," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 71(1), pages 89-99, March.
    36. repec:eme:maj000:02686900710829426 is not listed on IDEAS
    37. Burgstahler, David & Dichev, Ilia, 1997. "Earnings management to avoid earnings decreases and losses," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 99-126, December.
    38. Erik Lie, 2005. "On the Timing of CEO Stock Option Awards," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(5), pages 802-812, May.
    39. Krista Fiolleau & Steven E. Kaplan, 2017. "Recognizing Ethical Issues: An Examination of Practicing Industry Accountants and Accounting Students," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 142(2), pages 259-276, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Tamara Poje & Maja Zaman Groff, 2022. "Mapping Ethics Education in Accounting Research: A Bibliometric Analysis," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(2), pages 451-472, August.
    2. Alina Beattrice VLADU & Dan Dacian CUZDRIOREAN, 2022. "Considerations on the Improvement of Ethical Decision Making in the Accounting Profession," CECCAR Business Review, Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania (CECCAR), vol. 3(1), pages 44-52, January.
    3. Downar, Benedikt & Ernstberger, Jürgen & Koch, Christopher, 2021. "Who makes partner in Big 4 audit firms? – Evidence from Germany," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    4. Dambrin, Claire & Lambert, Caroline, 2012. "Who is she and who are we? A reflexive journey in research into the rarity of women in the highest ranks of accountancy," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 1-16.
    5. Bitbol-Saba, Nathalie & Dambrin, Claire, 2019. "“It’s not often we get a visit from a beautiful woman!” The body in client-auditor interactions and the masculinity of accountancy," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    6. Ioana Lupu & Marie-Astrid Le Theule, 2012. "Les nouvelles frontières entre vie professionnelle et vie privée chez les femmes comptables professionnelles," Post-Print hal-00691104, HAL.
    7. Amondarain, Josune & Aldazabal, M. Edurne & Espinosa-Pike, Marcela, 2023. "Gender differences in the auditing stereotype and their influence on the intention to enter the profession," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
    8. Kurek Bartosz & Górowski Ireneusz, 2020. "Gender and Age as Determinants of Expected Rate of Return on Human Capital," Journal of Management and Business Administration. Central Europe, Sciendo, vol. 28(4), pages 30-50, December.
    9. Adapa, Sujana & Rindfleish, Jennifer & Sheridan, Alison, 2016. "‘Doing gender’ in a regional context: Explaining women's absence from senior roles in regional accounting firms in Australia," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 100-110.
    10. José-Joaquín del-Pozo-Antúnez & Horacio Molina-Sánchez & Francisco Fernández-Navarro & Antonio Ariza-Montes, 2021. "Accountancy as a Meaningful Work. Main Determinants from a Job Quality and Optimization Algorithm Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-14, August.
    11. Beth Turnbull & Melissa Graham & Ann Taket, 2022. "Diversified Organizational Inequality Regimes and Ideal Workers in a “Growth-Driven,” “Diverse,” “Flexible” Australian Company: A Multilevel Grounded Theory," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-36, July.
    12. Manea Andreia & Hoinaru Răzvan & Păcuraru-Ionescu Cătălin-Paul, 2021. "Ethics education in Romanian economics faculties, members of AFER," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 15(1), pages 705-714, December.
    13. Faragalla Widad Atena & Adriana Tiron-Tudor, 2019. "Gender as a Dimension of Inequality in Accounting Organizations and Developmental HR Strategies," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-24, December.
    14. Dunne, Neil J. & Brennan, Niamh M. & Kirwan, Collette E., 2021. "Impression management and Big Four auditors: Scrutiny at a public inquiry," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    15. Charl de Villiers & Matteo La Torre & Vida Botes, 2022. "Accounting and social capital: A review and reflections on future research opportunities," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(4), pages 4485-4521, December.
    16. Baeckström, Ylva & Marsh, Ian W. & Silvester, Joanne, 2021. "Financial advice and gender: Wealthy individual investors in the UK," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    17. Sian, S. & Agrizzi, D. & Wright, T. & Alsalloom, A., 2020. "Negotiating constraints in international audit firms in Saudi Arabia: Exploring the interaction of gender, politics and religion," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    18. Anderson-Gough, Fiona & Edgley, Carla & Robson, Keith & Sharma, Nina, 2022. "Organizational responses to multiple logics: Diversity, identity and the professional service firm," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    19. Martin Kornberger & Lise Justesen & Jan Mouritsen, 2011. "“When you make manager, we put a big mountain in front of you” : An ethnography of managers in a Big 4 Accounting Firm," Post-Print hal-02276736, HAL.
    20. Adriana Tiron-Tudor & Widad Atena Faragalla, 2018. "Women Career Paths in Accounting Organizations: Big4 Scenario," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-16, October.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:183:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-021-04947-5. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.