Student Perceptions of Accounting and Business Scandals on the Accounting Profession

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of accounting and business scandals on business student perceptions of the accounting profession and to determine if they are differentiated by maturity factors. Student maturity is distinguished by age in years, class standing, and number of accounting classes taken. The study results are based on a survey of business student perceptions regarding their understanding of accounting scandals, related to business student’s knowledge of scandals, student perceptions about the accounting profession, and student perceptions about accounting/business ethics. The relationship between business student perceptions of the accounting profession, ethics and accounting education, and student knowledge of accounting and business scandals and maturity factors is examined. It is interesting to note that the more mature a student is, as measured by numeric age, the more they perceive that the accounting profession has implemented adequate measures to avoid future accounting scandals. Students disagree with the statement that accounting scandals have made the accounting profession more attractive, as separated by the maturity factor of age. Students agree that accounting scandals have stressed the importance of good ethical conduct in the accounting profession. The study also revealed students are becoming more informed about business scandals by regularly reading business publications. The findings of this study have important implications for students and professors alike by enabling efforts to dialog with students about perceptions of the accounting profession.