Businesses and occupations worldwide, from the developed to the developing, are putting pressure on accounting schools to provide their students with the skills they need to succeed in the field. The dispute in accounting education is timely because of the widespread belief that most accounting programs fail to teach their students the practical skills needed in the field.

Consistent declines in the value placed on ethics and morality are a worrying trend in modern culture. Articles and testimonies from individuals at all levels and types of institutions and organizations back up the claim that morality and ethics in modern society are steadily declining (Robert et al., 2020). The accounting community is very interested in discussing the appropriate role of the Board of Accountancy in shaping accounting curricula and how best to incorporate ethical principles into classroom instruction.

The purpose of this article is to provide historical background for the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) creation of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which took place between 1977 and 2006. Archival records were reviewed in depth concerning literature on international regulation. The research traces the evolution of the Code through three separate eras, illuminating the dynamic dynamics and sequence of events that shaped it in an increasingly complex regulatory context. This research shows that multinational accounting companies and international regulators were able to influence the priorities of the Ethics Committee as a result of IFAC’s shifting goals in pursuit of its worldwide ambitions (Doshi et al., 2019).

But, there are moral issues that arise from a physical separation, which are exacerbated by online education. The situation is much more problematic because distance learning involves remote instruction. Online classrooms amplify the ethical difficulties already faced by teachers and students (Robert et al., 2020). An overview of the development of accounting ethics curricula is provided, followed by a discussion of current issues, future prospects, and innovative solutions. Scholars, academics, and professionals with expertise in accounting and ethics would play a crucial role.

Several accounting scandals from the 1980s have been extensively publicized in the media, leading to fraud charges, bankruptcy filings, and the collapse of businesses and accounting firms. Ingenious bookkeeping, faulty financial analysis, and bribery all played roles in the company’s crises. Nugan Hand Bank, Phar-Mor, WorldCom, and AIG are just a few firms that have had problems with deceptive accounting methods (Sepasi, 2019). Multinational corporation Enron was widely alleged to have violated accounting ethics by presenting financial statements that did not accurately reflect the company’s financial health over the years. Its auditor, Arthur Andersen, is one of the “Big Five” accounting firms, and they certified that the financial statements were accurate despite the errors. Enron and Arthur Andersen collapsed once the news of the unethical behavior broke. Due to Enron’s bankruptcy, its stockholders lost $25 billion. While just a small percentage of Arthur Anderson’s workforce was engaged in the scandal, 85,000 jobs were lost when the company was forced to shut down.

New rules and regulations to educate students at the undergraduate and graduate levels in applying Ethics were implemented by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to address problems with unethical behavior among accountants. With these safeguards, the public will have more faith in accountants.

Accounting students are more likely to engage in unethical activity that might jeopardize their profession when the country’s educational system shifts from the old learning style to online learning amid a global epidemic (Ferri et al., 2020). Despite these challenges, this study will provide light on how students maintain a commitment to professional, ethical conduct and will explore relevant ethical dilemmas and potential solutions.

Research Question.

The researchers’ primary objective is to discover the answer to the following important question:

How does the structure of online learning impact students’ capacity to apply ethical thought when studying accounting? Online education has become more popular in recent years. In addition to this, the researchers are interested in finding an answer to the precise question that is presented below:

What level of familiarity do accountancy students have with the ethical standards that govern the accounting profession?

What are the individual viewpoints of students majoring in Accounting concerning the Ethical Consideration concerning the environment of Online Learning?

How can accounting students put core ethical concepts into practice within an online learning environment? This question pertains to the study of accounting.

Research Objectives.

The following is the key objective that the researchers want to achieve with their work:

To identify how accounting students are influenced by the structure of online learning settings in terms of their capacity to apply ethical principles.

To find out how students of other subjects are affected by the structure of online learning environments. In addition to that, the researchers have several secondary aims that they intend to achieve, which may be broken down into the following categories:

To assess the level of familiarity that accounting students have with the accounting code of ethics.

To analyze the individual reactions of students majoring in accounting to the Ethical Consideration included in the online learning environment.

To explore how accounting students approach the adoption of the Core Ethical Principles within an online learning environment.

Literature Review.

After proponent analysis, this chapter addresses local and international research studies, journals, papers, and literature. Online students benefit from the review.

The 2019 Corona Virus Outbreak, also known as COVID-19, is the sixth pandemic since the 1918 influenza pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported the most severe cases. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, a major chunk of the world is under lockdown, affecting all school systems. The shutdown of schools affected almost 70% of the world’s students (Onyema, Nwafor, Faith, et al., 2020). Some schools tried to be fully functioning, while others were able to do an experimental study on the effects of online education. Experimental environments exist for these phenomena. Schools, teachers, and students would never be forced to switch to digital without a pandemic.

Distance education is a teaching approach when the instructor and student are physically separated. Audio, video, computers, and the Internet may be utilized. Technology has given flexibility and participation in delivery, which is strong in current advancements. Yet distance learning needs to be more modern. The 18th century saw its beginnings. Distance learning has grown along with communications technology over the last 300 years. The internet technology revolution boosted distance learning’s popularity in the late 1990s. As technology improves, it continues to rise. (Bozkurt, 2019).

Horspool and Lange discovered that students preferred online classes to avoid class travel and scheduling concerns. Many online and face-to-face students have yet to encounter technological issues. The professor’s contact with both groups was adequate. 2015 (Horspool & Lange, 2012). Exploring and appreciating educational technologies and information delivery methods may improve the quality of education we give today.  Swartz, Gachago, and Belford (2016) studied poor students at South Africa’s University of Technology. Open educational materials employ technology to teach, the researcher said. Online learning was popular in early 2015 and 2016, when many schools and institutions were closed. Online channels, including a learning management system, social media, and Google suite, were employed for professor-student collaboration (Swartz et al., 2018).

Online learning doesn’t allow students and lecturers to communicate. According to the article’s Florida research, high school students must complete one online course. It indicates that an online class has synchronous and asynchronous sessions (Adedoyin & Soykan, 2020). Online learning is difficult for some students. Thus teachers need to be more understanding. Average students may succeed in online classes, even if they’ve struggled. As the article states, online courses need a solid basis. Instructors should assess pupils’ abilities and help them learn new topics. (Turner & Uludag, 2013) found that online students cheat on exams, papers, and other assessments.

According to the study’s literature, accounting students face several challenges in learning technical issues. Students’ expertise in respective fields is applied to accounting processes. Students are curious and prefer particular types of information for processing. Our mental processes and preferences may affect our cognitive functions and instruction. Hidi believed there was a big gap between psychology and physiology regardless of the data’s interest.

Due to online lectures, Swartz, Gachago, and Belford (2016) warn that students’ ethics will be at risk. Online learning ethics rely on students’ honesty and professionalism. Online student assessments must be managed by faculty. Ethics is more than honesty (Swartz et al., 2018).  The general moral imperatives are

humanity and human well-being,

avoiding damage to others,

being honest and trustworthy, and

being fair and taking efforts not to discriminate.

preserving copyrights and patents

giving credit for intellectual property

respecting privacy

maintaining the secrecy

Distance education also raises concerns about academic fraud. Distance learning might be more challenging than on-campus classes since it’s harder to tell whether a student is performing the work. Lengel recommends teaching student honesty and intellectual justice. The study’s literature evaluation said ethics examines evil, good, wrong, and right. Consequently, ethics examines morality, human behavior, and morality.  Accounting ethics is one of the biggest corporate challenges today. Corporate governance addresses practice suitability. Such actions are good or wrong, ethical or immoral, regardless of legality. Ethical judgments typically consider the consequences of alternative acts.

Ethics in accounting professionals promote and improve ethics, according to the study. After that, ethics and corporate accounting practices are covered. According to the study, personal opinions influence accounting professionals’ ethical behavior (Jaijairam, 2011). The study depends on accountants’ comments and impressions about the ethics of the accounting profession as embedded in the company’s culture. Accounting professionals’ attitudes regarding ethics affect their decision-making, thinking, and professional behavior. According to the study, ethics in accounting may improve company governance and financial statements while lowering crime and fraud.

Accountants require an intellectual perspective outside of professional norms of conduct to explore when and how their job has ethical elements. Creating ethical accountants and resolving ethical issues is the goal. With a professor’s direction, students confirm their moral principles to help them make challenging choices in the future, particularly at work.

According to Klimek & Wenell (2011), students who take an Accounting Ethics course before graduation have a stronger capacity for ethical reasoning than those who have integrated ethics into their accounting courses. A student-centered ethics curriculum lets students decide and focus on facts rather than opinions. Recent research suggests that a three-hour accounting ethics course enhances ethical cognition. Ethical thinking will help accounting students.

The American Accounting Association aims to shape accounting’s future following the Code. The members clearly embrace the corporate and social community’s responsibilities for their profession and academic subject. ICYMI Confessions of an Accounting Critic states that accounting experts must speak up to correct mistakes and omissions. More accounting, transparency, and the financial sector will grow safer once someone raises issues. Ketz said that criticizing company management and auditors’ work will enhance financial reporting with honesty, impartiality, professional due care, and public desire to expose controversial accounting reports. Ketz’s criticisms are aimed at suggesting improvements. Accountants’ behavior and judgment are influenced by professional norms of conduct. Accounting regulatory organizations update these regulations to reflect changing socio-economic, corporate, and accounting settings. Accountants may use any of these codes to conduct their tasks.

Chaker and Abdullah (2011) supported the paper by demonstrating the value of accounting graduates’ abilities. An accountant with intellectual, interpersonal, scientific, technical, bureaucratic, communication, and management abilities may motivate the company to reach its goals and resolve issues. The survey found that accounting graduates knew and could implement the Code of Professional Ethics in the workplace. Accounting ethics may harm the industry, students have concluded. Future longitudinal research should also evaluate whether students build ethical cognitive abilities via accounting practice. Organizations may influence how practitioners handle ethical challenges. The Code of Ethics is a system of rules and conventions based on ethical concepts and beliefs about right and wrong. These ethical concepts are supposed to help make ethical decisions, not solve them. Theoretical education at university is followed by specific training, courses, and job experience to develop technical skills.

Accountants are required by the Code of Ethics to observe regulatory organizations’ rules and regulations. This will guarantee that the company’s financial statements are accurate and professional. Failing to follow the Code of Ethics might damage the company’s image. Consequently, universities and colleges educate future accountants about the Code of Ethics. Boyce (2013) advises that accounting ethics advice be considered in the context of globalization and finances. The author suggests improving the social and economic framework (Boyce & Greer, 2013).

Structured business education, which incorporates ethics, diminishes empathy for unethical behavior and benefits students. The justice decision-making model’s effects on further research are investigated. The results indicated that ethical learners are better educated. Morality is important, and students desire ethics in business school. Lau observed that ethical education in business schools improves students’ morality, consciousness, and reasoning. Accounting teachers should consider ethics before altering student conduct, according to Boyce (2013). Capitalist ethics are his target. He believes ethics’ perception affects accounting ethics education.

Calamba and Rustico (2019), “Usefulness of Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants in Handling Ethical Disputes in the Philippines.” The more accountants use the Code of Ethics to mitigate ethical issues, the less likely they are to deviate from the Code’s mission. It helps expose CPAs to avoid dubious situations. The research found that undergraduate education and field-specific CPD programs teach the Code of Ethics.

By being cognizant of opposing views, the moral process helps people handle ethical difficulties. Conceptualization, skills, and better concentration lead to growth during moral deliberation. .Moral deliberation grows via conceptualization, abilities, and improved concentration.

Gentile (2010) contends that ethical concerns and decision-making tools cannot be centered on helping individuals treat themselves decently. Gentile says ethics education should “create the skills, confidence, moral ability and, honestly, the practice of expressing our views.” Recognizing and practicing values will give individuals the courage to act on them.

A study on the Accounting Education Culture of the University of Saint Louis, Philippines, by (Rellin, Pataueg, Pineda, Sabalo, Siazon, et al. 2020) found that Philippine national passing rates have decreased year after year in accounting education. This may indicate that educational institutions need help to adapt to industry changes, so they should produce more accounting professionals. This research finds that having the correct ethics of being a qualified accountant is vital to stay successful and trustworthy in reporting, management, and valued clients to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Accounting has evolved beyond record-keeping and reporting. Therefore ethical issues have become more prominent. Accounting is a complicated data processing stage that may be utilized and publicized from the data obtained. Rule-based ethical accountants struggle to safeguard clients and stakeholders, resulting in controversies and unethical action charges (GUILLEMIN et al., 2009).Calamba and Rustico (2019) suggested reviewing Continuing Professional Development programs and increasing ethical education to help associates and regulators better comprehend ethical problems.

Proposed Research Methodology, Design & approach. 300-500

Means of Investigation

Quantitative methods were applied in this work, namely descriptive correlational analysis. This methodology focuses on directly comparing two variables, excluding the confounding effects of other factors. Psychological Science argues that researchers should conduct descriptive and correlational studies to make informed and confident choices (Campbell & Cowton, 2015). Descriptive research is a technique in which behavior is evaluated systematically and objectively to determine characteristics.

Whereas experimental research attempts to explain and evaluate the relationship between variables, correlational research does neither (Anderson & Arsenault, 2005). Respondents from various academic institutions were able to examine a quantitative survey focusing on the ethical issues of accounting students in an online environment and find a strong correlation between their answers. The researchers classified this study as non-experimental since they had to rely significantly on analysis and interpretations to arrive at a reasonable result without being able to manipulate the predictor factors or the participants.

Methodology for Research

An integrated questionnaire format was adopted in this study, and its quantitative component was readily evident. There were two distinct parts of the questionnaire. At the initial stage of the process, the researchers created a battery of questions targeted at the demographic profile in particular. The researchers, prompted by the anticipated ethical concerns of the Accounting Students, then developed a series of questions to categorize the respondents’ issues for the study’s second phase.

The latter helped the researchers learn more about the challenges and benefits of online learning for accounting students. To protect respondents from posing unsuitable or unneeded harmful difficulties, the survey result is carefully categorized and will be utilized for the benefit of this research study only.

Methods of Sampling

Researchers employed a simple random sampling technique to collect data from a pool of Accounting majors from local Manila institutions and colleges. This sampling method is used in research when group members are chosen at random with a predetermined likelihood of being chosen. This group of people is a good representation of the whole.

Each subset member has an equal chance of being selected as part of the study, and the researchers’ primary goal in collecting this information is to have the greatest possible chance of assembling a representative sample. Students taking an online accounting course during the survey’s administration are the study’s respondents.

Data Analysis Procedures

Methods based on statistics are used to analyze, visualize, and evaluate the gathered information. Quantitative analysis, in the context of this subject, is making sense of the numbers involved through careful thought and deliberation. Microsoft Excel is used because it is a cost-effective solution that aids the researcher in acquiring and collecting raw data and using formulae and graphs to understand and infer data. Analyzing quantitative data can find evidence-based information that may aid the research process.

Data Analysis

The findings of the researcher’s analysis of the information obtained during the investigation are presented in this chapter. In addition, this chapter provides answers to the primary issues raised by the study by way of meticulous statistical interpretation and analysis that was carried out to get the most accurate outcomes possible.

Table 1       Respondent Profiles

The table shows the Gender, Age, and Year Level of the respondents who participated in the study. The majority of the respondents were Female Accountancy students, which had a frequency of 187 and a percentage of 73.33%. While the male accountancy student has only 68 frequency and a percentage of 26.67%. The table shows information regarding the distribution of the respondents in terms of their age. Based on the table, the age ranges are diverse; respondents ages 18-20 represent the most numbers, with 52.94% of the total respondents. 21-23 years old is the second most represented, with 45.88% of the total respondents. Lastly, 24 years old and above got the lowest number of respondents, with 1.18%. Moreover, this table shows that the 1st year level has a frequency of 28 and a percentage of 10.98, while the 2nd year level has a frequency of 59 and 23.14%. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents were from the 3rd year level, who are the first batch of K-12, with a frequency of 165 and a percentage of 64.71, while 4th year level respondents have a frequency of 2 and a percentage of .78. Finally, respondents at the 5th year level have a frequency of 1 and a percentage of .39. All year level has a total of 255 with a percentage of 100.

From the study of the table, it is considered that the number of respondents with 4 & 5 years of experience could be higher in terms of number and percentage. Their feedback in this regard is important as their experience clubbed with ethical scenario handling experience in the real world is beneficial for study. The same goes for the age bracket of 24 years, where only feedback from 3 professionals has been gathered.

Table 2       structure of online learning impact students’ capacity

Statement 1

Having a quiet place to study at home can be very helpful in staying focused and productive. As per the student survey, they can establish a routine and allocate specific times during the day or week for studying. This will help you create a habit and ensure that you are consistently making progress. Further student can students can eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone and other electronics, and avoid browsing the Internet or social media during your study time. If you need access to the Internet for your coursework, use website blockers to prevent you from getting sidetracked. Studying for long periods can be mentally exhausting, (GUILLEMIN et al., 2009) so taking regular breaks is important. Use this time to stretch, walk around, or grab a snack. This can help you recharge and come back to your work refreshed. Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and other important information in a planner or digital calendar. This will help you prioritize tasks and ensure you get everything important. Reach out to classmates or teachers if you need help with coursework. You can also join study groups or forums to connect with other students and get additional support.

Statement 2

As per the survey, most students disagree with the statement. It’s completely normal to feel like you need to make more progress with self-studying compared to synchronous sessions or traditional classroom settings. (Wiles et al., 2009) Here are a few things to consider:

Self-studying requires more self-motivation and discipline. When attending synchronous sessions or traditional classes, there is usually more structure and accountability, which can help you stay on track with your studies. Setting clear goals and holding yourself accountable for meeting them is important when self-studying.

Synchronous sessions or traditional classes offer more opportunities for interaction and feedback. When studying independently, you may have a different level of engagement with other students or instructors, making it more challenging to get feedback on your progress.

Everyone learns differently, and self-studying may not be your best approach. Consider alternative learning methods like working with a tutor or taking a structured online course.

It’s important to be patient and give yourself time to adjust to self-studying. It can take some time to develop the self-motivation and discipline necessary to be successful with this approach.

Ultimately, the level of progress you make with self-studying will depend on your individual learning style, motivation, and discipline. Experimenting with different approaches and finding what works best for you is important. If you continue to struggle, consider contacting a teacher, tutor, or mentor for additional support and guidance.

Statement 3

The majority of the students agreed with the statement. A stable internet connection at home for online classes is necessary, especially for ethical accounting studies. Accounting ethical studies may require video conferencing, online research, and accessing online course materials. A stable internet connection will ensure that you can effectively participate in the online class without disruptions or connectivity issues. A stable internet connection will also help you avoid missing important information from the online class. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a stable internet connection at home for online classes, especially for accounting ethical studies.

Statement 4

The majority of the student agreed with the statement. Familiarize yourself with the online class platform: Students Ensure they are comfortable with the platform for online classes. Most online classes use platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Spend some time exploring the platform’s features so that you are prepared for the class. They ensure the availability of the necessary equipment: You will need a computer or laptop, a stable internet connection, and a webcam and microphone to participate in the online class. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements for running the online class software and that your internet connection is fast enough to support video conferencing and other online activities.

Technical issues can occur anytime during the online class, so it is important to be prepared. Keep your device charged and have a backup power source available in case of a power outage. Also, keep the contact information for technical support handy in case you need to reach out for assistance. Just as in a traditional classroom, good etiquette is also important in online classes. Make sure to mute your microphone when not speaking, dress appropriately, and avoid any distractions that might affect your focus. Overall, it is important to approach online classes with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. With the right tools and preparation, you can cope with the online class requirements and succeed in your studies.

Statement 5

As per the students, online class setup can be very effective for students, especially when it is designed and implemented well.

Online classes offer greater flexibility in scheduling, location, and pacing. Students can participate in online classes from anywhere with an internet connection, at any time that suits their schedule. This can be particularly helpful for students who have other responsibilities or commitments, such as work or family. Online classes offer easy access to course materials, such as lecture notes, recordings, and other resources. Students can review the course materials at their own pace and revisit them as often as needed to reinforce their understanding.

Online classes can also facilitate collaborative learning among students, even if they are not physically in the same location. Online platforms allow real-time interaction, such as video conferencing, chat rooms, and discussion forums. This can help students develop critical thinking skills by engaging in dialogue and exchanging ideas with their peers. Online classes can be designed to cater to different learning styles and preferences. For example, students can watch recorded lectures, participate in live discussions, or complete interactive quizzes and exercises. This can help students stay engaged and motivated throughout the course.

Overall, online classes can be highly effective and convenient for students, provided they are well-designed and implemented. It is important to ensure that students have access to the necessary technology and support and that the course content is engaging and interactive. With the right approach, online classes can provide students a rich and rewarding learning experience.

Table 2       Addressing research objectives 2- What level of familiarity do accountancy students have with the ethical standards that govern the accounting profession.

Statement 1

It is agreed that students are well-known for the accounting profession’s Code of ethics. Students pursuing a degree or certification in accounting are typically taught about the Code of Ethics in Accountancy as part of their coursework. The Code of Ethics in Accountancy is a set of guidelines and principles that govern the behavior and conduct of professionals in the accounting industry. These guidelines cover a broad range of topics, including independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional competence.

Students studying accounting are taught about the importance of ethical behavior in the profession and are often required to study and understand the Code of Ethics as part of their education. In many cases, students may also be required to take a course specifically focused on professional ethics in accounting. Additionally, many accounting programs and professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), require students and professionals to pass an ethics exam to demonstrate their understanding and adherence to the Code of Ethics in Accountancy.

In conclusion, most accounting students are aware of the Code of Ethics in Accountancy as it is an essential part of their education and professional development.

Statement 2

It is agreed that students are familiar with the Core Values and Standards of Professional Ethics. Knowledge of the Fundamental Principles of Professional Ethics is essential for accounting students as it helps them to develop a strong ethical foundation and approach their academic learning with a sense of responsibility and integrity. Understanding and applying these principles can help students to develop critical thinking skills. Students who clearly understand the Fundamental Principles of Professional Ethics are better equipped to analyze ethical dilemmas and make sound judgments based on their understanding of ethical behavior. This can help them develop critical thinking skills that can be applied to a range of academic and professional situations.

It helps to enhance their professional skills. Knowledge of the Fundamental Principles of Professional Ethics is essential to developing professional skills in the accounting industry. By understanding these principles, students can develop the technical skills and knowledge necessary to excel academically and professionally. Understanding the Fundamental Principles of Professional Ethics can help students to build a strong ethical foundation that they can apply to their academic and professional lives. This can help them to maintain the trust and confidence of their peers, colleagues, and clients and help them to avoid ethical breaches that could damage their reputation.

The Fundamental Principles of Professional Ethics are essential for leadership in the accounting industry. By understanding these principles, students can develop leadership skills rooted in ethical behavior and integrity, which can help them be effective leaders and influencers in their future roles.

In conclusion, knowledge of the Fundamental Principles of Professional Ethics is an essential part of academic learning for accounting students. By understanding and applying these principles, students can develop the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation necessary to excel academically and professionally.

Statement 3

As per the student survey, ethical behavior is just as important in online learning environments as it is in traditional classroom settings. In fact, ethical behavior is even more critical in an online learning setup due to the lack of face-to-face interaction and the potential for anonymity. Ethical behavior is essential for maintaining academic integrity, especially in an online learning environment where students may be tempted to cheat or plagiarize. Adhering to ethical principles such as honesty, integrity, and respect for intellectual property helps maintain the academic integrity of the online learning environment.

Ethical behavior can build trust and respect between students and instructors in an online learning setup. When students adhere to ethical principles such as honesty, fairness, and respect for others, they are more likely to earn their instructors’ and peers’ trust and respect. Behavior can contribute to a positive learning environment in online classrooms. By treating others with respect and professionalism, students can create a positive and inclusive learning environment that is conducive to learning and growth.

Ethical behavior encourages responsible behavior in online learning environments. By taking responsibility for their actions and behaving ethically, students can contribute to a safe and responsible learning environment that benefits everyone.

In conclusion, ethical behavior is effective in an online learning setup as it helps to maintain academic integrity, build trust and respect, promote a positive learning environment, and encourage responsible behavior. By adhering to ethical principles in online interactions, students can contribute to a safe and productive learning environment that benefits everyone.

Statement 4

As per the student survey, I completely agree that ethics is necessary not just in any program but also in the accounting profession.

Ethics is the study of moral principles and values that govern individuals’ and organizations’ behavior. Ethics is crucial in any profession because it helps to ensure that professionals adhere to moral principles and values when performing their duties. In the accounting profession, ethical conduct is particularly important because of accountants’ significant role in the financial reporting and management of organizations.

Accountants are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and providing financial information to various stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and regulators. Ethical behavior is essential in this context because it ensures that accountants’ financial information is reliable, accurate, and truthful. Additionally, unethical behavior by accountants can lead to financial fraud, mismanagement, and other illegal activities that can harm the organization’s reputation and financial health.

Ethical behavior is often regulated by professional organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). These organizations have established codes of ethics that set forth the principles and values accountants should follow in their professional conduct.

In conclusion, ethics is not only a necessity in any program but also in the accounting profession. Ethical behavior ensures that accountants uphold the moral principles and values of the profession, maintain accurate financial records, and provide reliable financial information to stakeholders.

Statement 5

Violating fundamental principles in the corporate world can have serious consequences and penalties, which can include:

Legal action: Violating fundamental principles in the corporate world can lead to legal action against individuals or organizations. For example, if an organization engages in fraudulent accounting practices, it can face legal action from regulatory bodies or shareholders.

Reputational damage: Violating fundamental principles can damage an individual or organization’s reputation, which can lead to a loss of business and future opportunities. This can significantly impact an individual or organization’s financial standing.

Loss of license or accreditation: Professionals in the corporate world, such as accountants and lawyers, can lose their license or accreditation if they violate fundamental principles. For example, if an accountant engages in unethical behavior, they may lose their certification or license to practice.

Financial penalties: Violating fundamental principles can lead to penalties such as fines or restitution payments. For example, if an organization engages in antitrust violations, it can face substantial fines from regulatory bodies.

Job loss: Violating fundamental principles can lead to job loss for individuals, particularly if their actions lead to legal action being taken against the organization. This can be a significant consequence, particularly in a competitive job market.

In conclusion, violating fundamental principles in the corporate world can have serious consequences and penalties. Individuals and organizations must adhere to ethical and legal standards to avoid these negative outcomes.

Table 3       Personal Opinions of Students of Accounting in Regards to Ethical Considerations

Statement 1

As per the student survey, As an accountancy student, it is important to be clear about your personal values regarding ethical considerations. Ethics refers to the principles and values that guide behavior and decision-making. In the field of accounting, ethical considerations are especially important because accountants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information.

From this, respondents, as opposed to Accounting Students, believe they have a strong grasp of their ideas. The values of a society are the social ideals, goals, and standards that the members of that society collectively come to the consensus that they have vital importance for society. According to the interpretation offered before, the respondents agree that they respect the concepts and points of view of the people with whom they associate. Believing in one’s abilities and seeing things from another person’s perspective are both necessary components for appropriate behavior in one’s professional and private life, as well as in situations involving cooperative learning and emergency response. These abilities are important when individuals must work together to solve problems.

Statement 2

Understanding the value of your co-students, especially those with whom you interact closely. Interacting with other students in your program can provide various benefits, including academic support, networking opportunities, and social connections. Here are some of how your co-students can be valuable:

Your co-students can provide valuable academic support, such as study groups, group projects, and peer reviews. Collaborating with other students can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the course material, identify areas where you need additional support, and develop your critical thinking skills.

Networking opportunities: Interacting with your co-students can also provide networking opportunities that can be valuable in your future career. By getting to know your peers, you can develop connections that lead to job opportunities, referrals, and other professional connections.

Social connections: Building relationships with your co-students can also provide important social connections that can enhance your overall college experience. Having a supportive group of friends can help you to manage stress, feel more connected to your school, and enjoy your time as a student.

Diverse perspectives: Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences can also provide valuable perspectives that can enhance your understanding of the world. Learning from others with different viewpoints, experiences, and cultural backgrounds can broaden your perspective and help you develop a more inclusive mindset.

Interacting with your co-students can provide valuable benefits to enhance your academic and personal growth. Taking advantage of these opportunities and building positive relationships with your peers is important.

Statement 3

As per the student survey, It is inaccurate to say that professors are less concerned about ethics and morality. In fact, many professors, including those in the accounting field, place a high value on ethics and morality and work to instill these values in their students.

However, some professors may not emphasize ethics and morality as much as others or may focus more on other aspects of their field. This can be due to various factors, such as differences in teaching style, research interests, or personal values.

It is also important to recognize that teaching about ethics and morality can be challenging, particularly in fields such as accounting, where ethical considerations can be complex and multifaceted. Some professors may need more confidence in their ability to effectively teach ethics or help find ways to make the subject matter engaging and relevant to their students.

However, despite these challenges, professors must recognize the importance of ethics and morality in their field and work to instill these values in their students. This can include incorporating ethical considerations into course materials, providing opportunities for discussion and reflection, and modeling ethical behavior in their own actions.

Ultimately, the responsibility for developing a strong ethical foundation rests with each individual student. While professors can play an important role in this process, it is up to students to take an active interest in ethics and morality, seek out opportunities for learning and growth, and develop their values and ethical framework.

Conclusion

Students can continue their education despite the global epidemic because of the newly established online learning set – up. Each student enrolling in this setup of accounting online classes has the formidable obstacle of studying alone at home (Wiles et al., 2009). This research thus considered the respondent’s age, gender, grade level, and educational institution. These are some of the findings that may be drawn from the outcomes of the current study:

The survey’s bad findings for the Online Learning Experiences section reflect that conventional classroom instruction is superior to the online learning environment. Respondents believe they will not receive a high-quality education because the degree of work invested in completing the evaluation differs from the level of effort exerted in a conventional learning environment, even though the capacity to cope with an online world is favorable.

In addition, the research found that accounting students had a general understanding of the Code of Ethics and its relevance to online education and the accounting profession. This demonstrates that the students in the Accounting program have a firm grasp of the Board of Accountancy’s Code of Professional Conduct.

The research found that accounting students had a favorable view of ethical issues. In addition, the kids have a strong moral compass, yet they are unduly dependent on the approval of others before acting. According to today’s college students, a person’s social position is a major factor in such ethical judgments.

The findings show that accounting students’ use of Ethical Consideration in an asynchronous learning setting does not significantly affect performance, so the null hypothesis is accepted. Basic Principles of (Kelley & Simmons, 2019)Professional Ethics is not meant to be a panacea for all ethical problems, but rather a guide for making the right decision in difficult situations. As a result, accounting students are actively working to infuse these values into their chosen fields.

As most of the Essential Principles of Professional Ethics are followed, including honesty, competence, confidentiality, professionalism, and objectivity, the research finds that the null hypothesis is false. This exemplifies how Accounting students, although having access to cutting-edge tools like the Internet, nonetheless make it a point to follow the tenets of the profession’s Basic Principle of Ethics. Students feel that if they acquire these principles via professional training in ethical courses, they will be better prepared to deal with ethical challenges in the future.

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