Integrating ESG and Sustainability with Ethics into the Accounting Curriculum-Integrating ESG and Sustainability with Ethics in the Accounting Curriculum

Integrating ESG and Sustainability with Ethics in the Accounting Curriculum

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The document outlines a curriculum focused on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability with ethics in accounting education. It emphasizes the role of moral behavior, professionalism, and ethical awareness in fostering integrity and fairness in financial reporting, thereby enhancing the capital markets.<br /><br />The curriculum includes topics like ethical reasoning, decision-making in accounting, corporate governance, codes of conduct, fraud detection, auditor responsibilities, and the influence of ethics on earnings management. This educational approach aims to prepare future accountants and financial analysts to navigate the ethical complexities of financial reporting.<br /><br />A particular case study featured in the curriculum, "Water Stress in the East African Plant: An Ethical Dilemma for the CFO and the CSO," is designed to sensitize students to the balance of financial and non-financial considerations, emphasizing sustainability and stakeholder needs alongside profitability. This case can be incorporated into various courses, such as management accounting, business ethics, or sustainability accounting.<br /><br />The case study includes assignment questions that challenge students to address ethical issues in business decisions. Students must examine ethical issues using the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice and consider alternative actions in situations like relocating a plant to increase profit margins. The questions also explore ethical decision-making frameworks, such as Utilitarianism, and its application in evaluating actions' consequences.<br /><br />In particular, the case questions aid in evaluating scenarios where different ethical perspectives and business strategies conflict, encouraging students to critically analyze the best course of action from an ethical standpoint. This approach aims to cultivate a sense of ethical leadership and decision-making capacity in future accounting professionals.

Keywords

ESG

sustainability

ethics

accounting education

financial reporting

corporate governance

ethical decision-making

case study

ethical leadership

professionalism