Ethical Dilemma in Accounting

Ethical dilemma
Ethical dilemma in the field of accounting
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Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................... 1
Dilemma description.................................................................................................... 1
Value discussion......................................................................................................... 1
Ethical Questions and Solutions...................................................................................... 2
Conclusion................................................................................................................ 3
References............................................................................................................. 3
Introduction
In our daily work life, we come across various ethical dilemmas and decision to act in such
situations depend a lot on the present situation and our own value system. The present report
deals with the ethical dilemma related to work experience in the field of accounting. The
present report deals with the role of personal values and ethics as well as professional code of
ethics for the solution of ethical dilemma faced by me during my recent internship.
Dilemma description
I faced this situation during my recent internship in the accounting department of a non-profit
firm, Big Lakes Accountants. I overheard a conversation between the general manager of the
company and a newly joined accountant. I heard that accountant was asked to present the
financial figures of current year instead of previous year in order to secure a crucial
government grant. I also came to know that the practice has been going on for years and the
accountant is threatened of his job in case of he refuses to oblige the general manager’s
demands. The accountant also hinted at the possibility of other financial crimes in the
organization. This situation put me in deep confusion regarding my future course of action.
Value discussion
Personal values are very important factor in a person’s decision-making process. Values are
set of beliefs which influence the way a person acts and thinks (Fritzsche & Oz, 2007).
Ethical decision making is influenced by both individual and organizational factors and the
value system of the decision maker is a very important personal factor. When it comes to
business decisions like the one mentioned above, there is often clash between the non-
compatible values, causing a decision-making dilemma. For example, in this case I found a
clash between the confronting values of task performance and care for others. It was my duty
to perform the right duty by telling the authorities, but it would mean causing trouble to the
company as well as accountant