Determinants of Ethical Behaviour of Professional Accountants in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of ethical behaviour of professional accountants in Ghana. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to: examine the effects of susceptibility to positive peer influence, materialism and political trust on ethical behaviour of professional accountants in Ghana. It also examines the moderating role of self-control on the various direct relationships. Data was collected using questionnaires administered online to professional accountants in Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was employed and 349 responses were recorded. Quantitative research approach was employed and explanatory research design was adopted in this study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse data. Findings of the study indicated that susceptibility to positive peer influence, materialism and political trust influence the ethical behaviour of professional accountants. Also, self-control moderates the relationship between susceptibility to positive peer influence and ethical behaviour of professional accountants. However, self-control does not moderate the relationships between materialism and ethical behaviour as well as political trust and ethical behaviour of professional accountants. The study recommended that professional accounting bodies and regulatory bodies should establish regular ethical evaluations for accountants and intensify workshops and seminars that stresses on ethics and ethical behaviours.