CEOs question real value of Sarbox

Now here's an interesting finding: According to a survey by Georgia State and Clemson researchers, 62 percent of executives agreed that Sarbanes-Oxley strengthened investor trust in Corporate America, but 74 percent said it has done nothing to improve ethical standards. The survey also found that "improper accounting practices" remains the No. 1 ethical issue facing companies. So what to make of this? Well, accounting is an iffy art, and there are a lot of minefields to be navigated. Frankly, there may still be some unethical people out there willing to commit fraud, but Sarbox has certainly raised the stakes of wrongdoing. Bottom line: Many execs seem to be wondering whether the benefits of enhanced trust justifies the costs and the lack of return on the ethical front.  

For more:
- here's the survey results