Teaching ethics

How to Teach Ethical Decision Making

A Decision Making Model I have taught ethics for almost 30 years. One device I use is an ethical decision-making model. It tends to provide a sound mechanism for students to evaluate the key ethical issues when conflicts exist and then choosing the best action (most ethical) decision. Dealing with... Read more →


“Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.”

Is it a Truth or Fallacy? It has been said that “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.” This was said by George Bernard Shaw in his 1905 stage play Man and Superman. Over a century later, and the derogatory phrase often thrown at educators in a disparaging way... Read more →


Nominations Open for the Excellence in Accounting Ethics Education Award

PURPOSE OF THE AWARD The intent of this award is to recognize new pedagogy for teaching ethics to accounting students. A monetary award of $1,000 and a plaque will be presented at the annual Ethics Symposium to an individual (or individuals) who has (have) developed and implemented an innovative technique/method... Read more →


Costs and Benefits of Adding 30-units to Accounting Students' Requirements for Licensure as a CPA

Exploring the Knowledge Base for CPAs One of the most talked about issues in accounting right now is whether the 150-hour requirement to qualify for licensing as a CPA creates a barrier to entry for many accounting students that should be revisited. Recent changes in the laws in many states... Read more →


The Ethics of “Ethical Hacking”

Implications for Ethics Education I have previously blogged about the controversial issue of "Ethical Hacking." In this blog, I will update that discussion and add to it because changes are happening rapidly and the number of cybersecurity attacks are increasing. We live in an era of unprecedented cybercrime, both in... Read more →


Why Character Education Should Be Taught

A Challenge for Educators Here is a bold statement. The world is going to hell in a handbasket. For many years now societies have been morphing from basically ethical, where doing the right thing guides all decisions, to one where the pursuit of self-interest and lack of caring about others... Read more →


Can Ethics Be Taught to College Students?

Expectations and Realities I have blogged before about how to teach ethics to college students. There is no one best way to do so and a variety of methods have been tried. But first, we need to consider what the goals should be of teaching ethics to college students. Here... Read more →


Which Side are They on? Do Auditors Still Protect the Public?

Accounting Ethics Symposium I am participating in a panel discussion on July 31 in San Diego at the Ethics Symposium sponsored by the Public Interest Section of the American Accounting Association. Accounting educators should consider attending because critical issues will be discussed about the past, present, and future direction of... Read more →


Ethical Issues of the NCAA Transfer Portal

Is it a Good Thing for Collegiate Athletics? The Transfer Portal was created as a way for student athletes to transfer from one NCAA school to another and not have to sit out one year. It seems to have created a ‘monster,’ in the sense that competition for student athletes... Read more →


Why Do Universities Lie About Program Information?

Examining the Ethical Issues I have previously blogged about doctored program information submitted by four prominent universities—Rutgers University, Temple University, Claremont McKenna College, and Iona College. The goal was to make their programs look better to university rating outlets such as U.S. News & World Report. Now, along comes a... Read more →