Ethics in Business More Important than Ever Before

With the recent turmoil on Wall Street and the current economic crisis, it's no surprise that concern is growing about the ethical standards of those who work in today's volatile business environment.

However, the recent economic crisis isn't the sole reason the business world is suddenly placing an emphasis on ethical behavior. "What I hear from the business people I'm dealing with is that ethics and corporate responsibility are absolutely at the top of their list when searching for new employees," University of Dallas President Frank Lazarus told the Dallas Morning News in December 2005.  

What this means to those in business -- or those entering the business world -- is a focus on values. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that an increased need for accountants and auditors will arise from changes in legislation related to taxes, financial reporting standards, business investments, mergers and other financial events.

This scrutiny of business practices may be one of the reasons that the U.S. Department of Labor expects employment of accountants and auditors to grow by 18 percent through 2016, which is faster than average for all occupations. According to a 2007 salary survey conducted by Robert Half International, a staffing services firm specializing in accounting and finance, senior accountants and auditors earned between $43,250 and $79,250, managers between $51,250 and $101,500, and directors of accounting and internal auditing between $68,000 and $208,000.

Other business fields are also expecting growth through 2016. Employment in advertising and marketing is expected to grow by 12 percent, computer and information systems management by 16 percent, and financial management by 13 percent.

Those looking to earn a business degree would be wise to research universities that are based on ethics and values. The Dec. 7, 2006, edition of the Dallas Morning News reports, "Many employers say the moral and ethical lessons that are taught along with the academic curriculum at faith-based schools better equip graduates to become valued employees."

This may be one of the main factors behind the tremendous growth of enrollment in Liberty University Online. As the largest evangelical university in the world, Liberty University has an enrollment of more than 40,000 students -- with over 25,000 of those studying online from more than 80 countries around the world.

Liberty University's degree programs are built upon a foundation of Christian values and give students the ethical standards that many employers look for today. Liberty offers AA and BS programs in accounting, business, and management information systems; MBA programs in accounting, general, human resources, leadership, and international leadership; MS programs in management and accounting; and MA programs in human services.


A degree from a faith-based university tells potential employers you not only have skill and education, but ethics as well. Visit www.go2liberty.com to learn more about Liberty University’s faith-based distance learning programs. Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.