ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Ethical conflicts and dilemmas
An accountant faces an ethical dilemma at work. Using a structured decision-making approach, which of the following should normally be done FIRST?
The first step in a structured ethical decision-making approach is to establish the relevant facts and identify the ethical issue and principles involved. Alternatives can only be evaluated sensibly once the problem is understood, so external reporting or following a manager's preference comes later.
- AEstablish the relevant facts and identify the ethical issue involvedCorrect
- BChoose the course of action that costs the employer least
- CReport the matter to an external regulator
- DImplement the option that the line manager prefers
Explanation
Structured ethical frameworks begin by gathering the relevant facts and identifying the ethical issue and principles at stake. Only then can alternatives be evaluated and a course of action chosen. Reporting externally or following a manager's preference before understanding the issue would be premature and could breach confidentiality or integrity.
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