ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Ethical conflicts and dilemmas
Tomas, an employed accountant, discovers that his manager is concealing a legal breach that could harm the public. He has raised it internally twice with no action. Which course of action is most consistent with ACCA guidance on whistleblowing?
Tomas should consider disclosing to an appropriate external regulator or authority under whistleblowing protection, after taking advice. Internal channels have failed, and confidentiality is not absolute where there is public interest, but indiscriminate public leaks or doing nothing would be inappropriate.
- ALeak the documents to a social media site immediately to maximise pressure
- BConsider disclosure to an appropriate external body in line with legal protection for disclosures in the public interest, after taking adviceCorrect
- CResign silently and say nothing, since confidentiality is absolute
- DContinue working and assume that the matter is no longer his responsibility
Explanation
Where internal escalation fails, the accountant should consider whether disclosure to a proper authority is justified in the public interest, ideally after taking legal or ACCA advice and using protected-disclosure routes. Public leaks are disproportionate. Confidentiality is not absolute, and ignoring the matter conflicts with integrity.
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