Ethics, Professionalism and Governance Case Study Analysis

This case study analyzes the application of ethics, professionalism, and governance within a professional setting, specifically focusing on the accounting profession. The paper examines a scenario where Brenda, a manager, must oversee the implementation of new accounting software while adhering to ethical principles and professional conduct, as per Australian legislation. The analysis highlights the importance of ethical decision-making, fairness, and transparency in managing junior staff, emphasizing the need for training, audits, and clear company policies. The study draws upon Chris McDonald's methodology and references relevant literature to explore how ethical considerations impact various management functions, stakeholder interests, and the integrity of information communication technology. The case study concludes with recommendations to ensure ethical practices, prevent errors, and support staff in their duties, thereby promoting professional development and maintaining public confidence in the industry.

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ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM AND GOVERNANCE
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Case Study 4
In every profession, there is need for its membership to adhere to the stipulated code of ethics.
The code of professional conduct comprise of ethical values that are major factors professional
conduct. The code of professional conduct is relevant to the legislation. This code could be used
as a claim for professional negligence. The purpose of this paper is to describe how ethics,
professionalism and governance can be used in the work environment to ensure that the
management of junior staff is achieved.
According to Chris McDonald’s methodology, Brenda should act ethical hence she will be able
to distinguish what is good and what is bad in carrying out her work. Behaving ethically will
enable her to promote the welfare of the accounting staff that she is managing. By acting
ethically, she will be able to embrace different kinds of ethical principles to decide the ethical
cause of action. Brenda might introduce fairness and justice to avoid being bias to some staff and
overlook their errors which lead to losses to the organization. The responsibility for the existence
of the accounting software should be spelt out by Brenda to avoid resistance to change or
imposing the accounting software to staff. The motivation for the Chris McDonald methodology
is that being a manager to the accounting staff, she can be able to carry out her duties ethically
and working contrary to that leads to failure in management. Therefore, Brenda should work to
promote and explore ethics and ethical decision making by ensuing that her management
functions such as the planning, organizing, controlling, delegation and staffing are in accordance
with the generally accepted ethics.
Brenda has been tasked with the responsibility of observing how junior staff is using the new
accounting system. In order to execute her duties well, she has to integrate the Code of

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Professional Conduct basing on Australian legislation. Brenda is in a dilemma on how she will
carry out her work at the same way apply ethics, professionalism and governance. In order to
analyze and resolve the dilemma, Brenda might use good business outcomes, legislation, system
functionality, digital information and records management and support.
Information is a very vital to the company and to the stakeholders. Prompt access to reliable
information enhances decision making, accountability and improved service delivery. Kerman
(2012) states that nformation communication technology practitioners are accountable for
ensuring the agency system complies with the legal requirements such as the Archives Act 1983.
The system contains such as database, transactional, case management systems that manage
common office formats and accounting systems.
The public concern takes precedence over private, sectional interest, personal and any struggles
should be resolved in the favour of the public interest. In the process of carrying out her work,
Brenda should safeguard the interest of the stakeholders. Swanwick, et al.,(2019) states that this
can only be achieved provided that these interests do not contravene to the loyalty and duty owed
to the general public. The expansion of Information Communication Technology has had a
significant effect on the society and way of life. Information Communication has both the
negative and positive impact on the society. However, the negative impacts can be solved by
having an ethical approach to work. Adherence to integrity and utmost honesty must be essential
in professional actions and decisions. Honesty and integrity should not be compromised while
carrying out professional work.
Competent workers should be brought on board and in case of any consultancy; additional
qualified individuals should be outsourced. Workers should be aware of their own limitations

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and should not knowingly imply that they are competent when they are incompetent. Workers
should be informed of new technologies to their work. Employees should keep their knowledge
up to date as other people will expect unique advice from them. Taking additional responsibility
will enable the worker to pass on her experience and knowledge to other recipients therefore
enhancing professional development. Swanwick, et al.,(2019) states that professionalism should
be enhanced since the Information Communication Technology is characterized by rapid and
relatively new change. Information Communication Technology has not had the opportunity to
evolve over so many years to acquire its own legislation and standards. Therefore, there is need
to restore the public confidence in the Information Communication Technology Industry. The
Information Communication Technology can be supported by embracing appropriate action such
as whistle blowing if it is discovered that a practitioner is indulging in .unethical behavior.
In conclusion, Brenda in conjunction with accounting professionals should carry out training on
the new accounting software to minimize chances of errors. Kerman (2012) stated that frequent
audits should be conducted to be able to detect errors and fraud that might lead to the company
making loses. A clear company policy should be implemented on circumstances that might lead
to staff salaries being docked. Finally, Brenda should offer support to the accounting staff to
ensure that they have no difficulty while carrying out their duties.

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Reference List
Kerman, L. (2012). Advice to women in management. London: University of London.
Swanwick, T., Forrest, K., & O'brien, C. (2019). Understanding medical education: evidence,
theory, and practice.Hoboken, NJ : Wiley Blackwell