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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Ethical conflicts and dilemmas

An accountant faces an ethical conflict and has exhausted all internal and professional avenues without resolution. The conflict relates to a requirement to be associated with information he believes is misleading. Which statement about his remaining options is correct?

He should consider withdrawing or resigning and check whether disclosure is legally required or permitted. Confidentiality still applies otherwise, so going to the press or secretly altering the information would be wrong, and simply obeying the instruction would breach integrity.

  1. AHe must stay and follow the instruction, since senior management is responsible for the information
  2. BHe should consider withdrawing from the engagement or resigning, and may need to consider whether disclosure is legally required or permittedCorrect
  3. CHe may disclose the information to the press at once, as confidentiality does not apply to ethical conflicts
  4. DHe should alter the information himself so that it is correct without informing anyone

Explanation

If the conflict cannot be resolved, the accountant should consider withdrawing or resigning, and consider legal disclosure duties or rights. Confidentiality continues to apply unless disclosure is legally required or permitted. Unilaterally altering information or going to the press is inappropriate.

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