You are on page 1of 19

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a professional defined by Bell?


A.
b.
c.
d.

Appropriately uses philosophical knowledge.


Communicates effectively.
Actively seeks additional knowledge.
Integrates knowledge from many disciplines.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 1

2. According to Bell, a professional should think: (i) rationally, (ii) effectively, (iii) coherently.
a.
b.
c.
D.

i and ii only.
ii and iii only.
i and iii only.
i, ii and iii.

Answer: D Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 1

3. Bell believes a professional should recognize the influence of all the following forces except:
a.
b.
c.
D.

Political.
Economic.
Legal.
Spiritual.

Answer: D Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 1

4. McDonald's characteristics of a professional include:


a.
b.
C.
d.

Generalized knowledge base.


Simple skills.
Autonomy of practice.
Adherence to the "justice" school of ethics.

Answer: C Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 1

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

5. Houle's model of becoming a professional has three components: conceptual, performance and:
A.
b.
c.
d.

Collective identity.
Ethical collaboration.
Complex decision making.
Rules and regulations.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 1

6. "The end justifies the means" most clearly describes which school of ethical thought?
a.
b.
C.
d.

Justice.
Rights and duties.
Utilitarianism.
Virtues.

Answer: C Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 4

7. Which school of ethical thought advocates an "every person for him/herself" philosophy?
a.
B.
c.
d.

Justice.
Rights and duties.
Utilitarianism.
Virtues.

Answer:
B

Difficulty: Easy Learning objective: 4

8. The idea that all people should be given what they deserve is central in the ___ school of ethics.
A.
b.
c.
d.

Justice.
Rights and duties.
Utilitarianism.
Virtues.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 4

9. People who subscribe to the ___ school of ethics do what is right and moral.
a.
b.
c.
D.

Justice.
Rights and duties.
Utilitarianism.
Virtues.

Answer: D Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 4

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

10. Which of the following is not a model of ethics discussed in the text?
A.
b.
c.
d.

Meta-ethics.
Justice.
Rights and duties.
Virtues.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 4

11. In the Langenderfer and Rockness model, which of the following steps comes first?
a.
b.
C.
d.

Evaluate the consequences of possible courses of action.


Reach a decision.
Identify stakeholders involved.
Consult the company's code of ethics.

Answer: C Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 6

12. Identifying the facts is step ___ in the Langenderfer and Rockness model.
A.
b.
c.
d.

One.
Two.
Three.
Identifying the facts is not a step in the model.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 6

13. In the Langenderfer and Rockness model, discussing alternatives with a trusted person a.
immediately follows:
a.
b.
C.
d.

Identifying the facts.


Identifying the issues.
Evaluate consequences of each possible course of action.
Reach a decision.

Answer: C Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 6

14. Step Two in the Langenderfer and Rockness model requires the decision maker to identify: (i)
an ethical model, (ii) ethics issues, (iii) stakeholders.
a.
B.
c.
d.

i and ii only.
ii and iii only.
i and iii only.
i, ii and iii.

Answer:
B

Difficulty: Easy Learning objective: 6

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

15. The Langenderfer and Rockness model assumes the decision maker subscribes to which theory of
ethics?
a. Justice.
b. Applied ethics.
c. Virtues.
D. Cannot be determined from the information given.
Answer: D Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 6

16. Which of the following best explains the "confidentiality" section of the IMA Code of Ethics?
a. Accountants cannot testify against their clients in court.
B. Supervisors must check employees' work to ensure that they uphold confidentiality
appropriately.
c. Corporate controllers cannot assist external auditors.
d. Confidentiality is not part of the IMA Code of Ethics.
Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 5

17. A corporate controller hires an unqualified family member for a high-paying position. The
controller's action violates which element of the IMA Code of Ethics?
A. Competence.
b. Confidentiality.
c. Integrity.
d. None.
Answer: A

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 5

18. According to the ACFE Code of Ethics, a certified fraud examiner cannot:
a. Accuse a fraud suspect.
B. State that a suspect is innocent of fraud in court.
c. Use information technology in a fraud examination.
d. Reveal confidential information under any circumstances.
Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 5

19. Certified Fraud Examiners must complete professional development activities (continuing
education) annually. That requirement is most closely associated with which element of the ACFE Code
of Ethics?

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

A. Increasing competence and effectiveness.


b. Expressing an opinion as to a suspect's guilt.
c. Revealing confidential information.
d. Avoiding most conflicts of interest.
Answer: A

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 5

20. The ACFE Code of Ethics differs from the IMA and AICPA codes in that the ACFE Code:
A. Contains more elements than either IMA or AICPa.
b. Contains more elements than AICPA, but fewer than IMa.
c. Contains more elements than IMA, but fewer than AICPa.
d. Contains fewer elements than either IMA or AICPa.
Answer: A

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 5

21. Explaining a person's ethics by analyzing the ethics of his ancestors is an example of:
A.
b.
c.
d.

Meta-ethics.
Normative ethics.
Applied ethics.
Situational ethics.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 3

22. "People shouldn't cheat" is an example of:


a.
B.
c.
d.

Meta-ethics.
Normative ethics.
Applied ethics.
Situational ethics.

Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 3

23. Debating the ethics of insider trading best describes:


a.
b.
C.
d.

Meta-ethics.
Normative ethics.
Applied ethics.
Situational ethics.

Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 3

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

24. The four schools of ethical thought discussed in the chapter (justice, virtues, rights and duties,
utilitarianism) are examples of:
a.
B.
c.
d.

Meta-ethics.
Normative ethics.
Applied ethics.
Situational ethics.

Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 3

25. Which of the following is not part of the definition of ethics presented in the text?
a.
b.
c.
D.

Organizing.
Defending.
Proposing.
Reciting.

Answer: D Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 3


26. Preparing financial statement footnotes that are clear and understandable is an example of:
A.
b.
c.
d.

Communicating effectively.
Actively seeking additional knowledge.
Exhibiting ethical professional behavior.
Using information technology effectively.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2

27. As part of his commitment to professionalism, John used the Langenderfer and Rockness model to
resolve an ethical dilemma. His action is an example of:
A.
b.
c.
d.

Thinking rationally, logically and coherently.


Recognizing the influence of legal forces.
Recognizing the influence of social forces.
Recognizing the influence of economic forces.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

28. An accountant should remain as objective as possible in any professional responsibility, reflecting
which of McDonald's characteristics?
a.
b.
C.
d.

Specialized knowledge base.


Complex skills.
Autonomy of practice.
Communicating effectively.

Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2


29. Understanding the rules of debit and credit is an example of which element of Houle's ideas on
professionalism?
a.
B.
c.
d.

Conceptual.
Collective identity.
Communication.
Autonomy of practice.

Answer:
Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2
B
30. Explaining how auditors contribute to the decision making process is an example of which
element of Houle's ideas on professionalism?
a.
B.
c.
d.

Conceptual.
Collective identity.
Complex skills.
Autonomy of practice.

Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2

31. Ponzi's actions most directly violate which element of the IMA Code of Ethics?
A.
b.
c.
d.

Credibility.
Confidentiality.
Collective identity.
Responsibilities to clients.

Answer: A

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 7

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

32. In connection with the Enron bankruptcy, Skilling was most likely following which school of
ethical thought?
a.
B.
c.
d.

Virtues.
Utilitarianism.
Normative ethics.
Justice.

Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 7

33. Enron's failure to disclose key facts in its financial statements most clearly violated which
standard of the IMA Code of Ethics?
a.
b.
C.
d.

Honesty.
Fairness.
Competence.
Responsibility to clients.

Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 7


34. John Rigas' philanthropic actions:
a.
b.
C.
d.

Justified his illegal actions.


Were motivated by adherence to the AICPA Code of Ethics.
Appeared to follow the virtues model of ethical behavior.
Were similar to those of Charles Ponzi.

Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 7


35. Which of the following firms was mostly closely related to the Enron bankruptcy?
a. Adelphia Cable.
b. American Institute of CPAs.
C. Arthur Andersen.
d. Massachusetts Board of Prisons.
Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 7
The following information applies to Questions 36 through 38:
Mike is a freshman considering a major in accounting. His uncle is an accountant, and Mike was drawn
to the field because he has an aptitude for numbers. However, when he met with his accounting advisor,
Mike was surprised to learn that getting an accounting degree meant taking a lot of seemingly unrelated
courses; in fact, only about 25% of his coursework would be in the Accounting Department. Mike's
advisor explained that the process of becoming a professional accountant involves many skills other than
technical and quantitative; she also talked with Mike about Bell, Houle and McDonald's ideas.

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

36. Mike's accounting courses will uniquely prepare him to:


a. Communicate effectively.
B. Appropriately use technical knowledge.
c. Integrate knowledge from many disciplines.
d. Practice autonomy.
Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2

37. In one of his early accounting courses, Mike learned that professional accountants have to keep
their knowledge updated via study even after they've been in practice for several years. That updating
will help Mike:
a. Master the basics of accounting.
B. Improve his performance as an accountant.
c. Define his role in society.
d. Establish a collective identity.
Answer:
B

Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2

38. Mike must also take courses in management, finance and information systems. Houle included that
concept in which part of his process of becoming a professional?
a. Conceptual.
b. Performance.
C. Collective identity.
d. Ethics.
Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2
39. McDonald identified four criteria for becoming a professional. Which criterion is most directly
related to learning new accounting software?
a. Adherence to a code of ethical behavior.
b. Autonomy of practice.
c. Collective identity.
D. Specialized knowledge base.
Answer: D Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

40. The American Institute of CPAs developed a seven-part system of professional conduct. The code is
principally related to which of McDonald's four criteria?
a. Specialized knowledge base.
b. Complex skills.
c. Autonomy of practice.
D. Adherence to a code of ethical behavior.
Answer: D Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2
The following situation applies to Questions 41 through 45:
Chris was developing his divisional budget for the upcoming fiscal year. He was fairly confident his total
expenses would be $40,000 and his total revenue $60,000; but, in the budget, he understated his revenue
and overstated his expenses to make it easier to achieve his goals.
41. Chris believed that his employees would work harder if goals were more achievable, thus
demonstrating the ___ model of ethics.
a. Justice.
b. Rights and duties.
C. Utilitarianism.
d. Virtues.
Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 4
42. One of Chris' co-workers discovered his budget padding. The co-worker, however, did not report
the action to their supervisor because of her adherence to the ___ model of ethics.
a. Virtues.
b. Utilitarianism.
C. Rights and duties.
d. Justice.
Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 4
43. Chris felt his base pay was too low. By manipulating his budget as he did, his year-end bonus
would be higher. Chris was following the ___ model of ethics.
a. Virtues.
b. Utilitarianism.
c. Rights and duties.
D. Justice.
Answer: D Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 4

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

44. Chris' supervisor suspected Chris was padding the budget and told a friend: "That's just not
right." Based on that comment alone, Chris' supervisor likely follows the ___ model of ethics.
a. Utilitarianism.
b. Rights and duties.
C. Virtues.
d. Justice.
Answer: C Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 4
45. Which model of ethical decision-making will lead Chris to the best decision regarding the budget?
a. Utilitarianism.
b. Rights and duties.
c. Justice.
D. Cannot be determined from the information given.
Answer: D Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 4
46. Which of the following statements is most true when comparing the IMA Code of Ethics with the
AICPA Code of Professional Conduct?
a. All accountants must adhere to one or the other.
b. Both dictate specific decisions for specific ethics cases.
C. Neither explains a specific process for resolving ethical dilemmas.
d. Both codes contain seven parts.
Answer: C Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 5

47. Which of the following is discussed in


both the IMA Code of Ethics and the

AICPA Code of Professional Conduct?


a. Truth.
B. Integrity.
c. Fraud examination.
d. Eight-step model.
Answer:
B

Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 5

48. Which code of ethics contains the most specific guidelines for behavior?
a. Justice code.
b. Normative ethics code.
C. ACFE code.
d. Behavioral code.
Answer: C Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 5

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

49. Conflicts of interest are mentioned specifically in (i) the IMA Code of Ethics, (ii) the ACFE Code
of Ethics.
a. i only.
b. ii only.
C. Both i and ii.
d. Neither i nor ii.
Answer: C Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 5
50. Which code of ethics explicitly prohibits expressing an opinion regarding guilt or innocence?
a. IMa.
b. AICPa.
C. ACFE.
d. AIS.
Answer: C Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 5

Problems
51. Definition of ethics: Fill in the missing terms below based on the text's definition of ethics.
The field of ethics, also called ______ ______, involves systematizing, ______, and recommending
concepts of right and wrong behavior. Philosophers today usually divide ethical theories into three
general subject areas. ______ investigates where our ethical principles come from, and what they mean.
______ ______ takes on a more practical task, which is to arrive at moral standards that regulate right
and wrong conduct. Finally, ______ ______ involves examining specific controversial issues.
Answer:
The field of ethics, also called moral philosophy, involves systematizing, defending, and recommending
concepts of right and wrong behavior. Philosophers today usually divide ethical theories into three general
subject areas: metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. Metaethics investigates where our ethical
principles come from, and what they mean. Normative ethics takes on a more practical task, which is to
arrive at moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. This may involve articulating the good
habits that we should acquire, the duties that we should follow, or the consequences of our behavior on
others. Finally, applied ethics involves examining specific controversial issues.
Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 3

52. Characteristics of a professional: Fill in the blanks below based on Bell's characteristics of a
professional.

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Actively seeks ______ knowledge.


Appropriately uses ______ knowledge.
______ effectively.
Exhibits ______ ______ ______.
Integrates knowledge from many ______.
Recognizes the influence of ______, ______, ______, ______ and ______ forces.
Thinks ______, ______ and ______.

Answer:
a. Actively seeks additional knowledge.
b. Appropriately uses technical knowledge.
c. Communicates effectively.
d. Exhibits ethical professional behavior.
e. Integrates knowledge from many disciplines.
f. Recognizes the influence of political, social, economic, legal and regulatory forces.
g. Thinks rationally, logically and coherently.
Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 1

53. Professional ethical codes


In the space provided, indicate whether each item listed belongs to the IMA Code of Ethics, the AICPA
Code of Professional Conduct or the ACFE Code of Ethics.
______ a. Abstain from engaging in or supporting any activity that might discredit the
profession.
______ b. Disclose delays or deficiencies in information.
______ c. No opinion shall be expressed regarding the guilt or innocence of any person or
party.
______ d. Obtain evidence or other documentation to establish a reasonable basis for any
opinion rendered.
______ e. Overarching ethical principles include: Honesty, Fairness, Objectivity, and
Responsibility.
______ f. Provide decision support information and recommendations that are accurate, clear,
concise, and timely.
______ g. Responsibilities to Clients.
______ h. Responsibilities to Colleagues.
______ i. Rules: Applicability and Definitions.
______ j. Testify to matters truthfully and without bias or prejudice.
Answer:
A IMA; B IMA; C ACFE; D ACFE; E IMA; F IMA; G AICPA; H AICPA; I AICPA; J
ACFE.
Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 5
54.

Ethics models

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

In the space provided, indicate whether each of the following statements best exemplifies: (a)
utilitarianism model of ethics, (b) justice model of ethics, (c) rights and duties model of ethics, (d)
virtues model of ethics.
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

1. All's well that ends well.


2. He'll get what's coming to him.
3. His actions are immoral; there's no other way to look at it.
4. In the long run, she'll pay for her wrongdoing.
5. Nothing matters as much as our after-tax profit.
6. So long as the company has enough cash on hand at the end of the year, anything we
do is OK.
7. The only important thing in this situation is for everyone to be allowed to do what
seems right to them.
8. This decision doesn't affect you, so don't bother me about it.
9. What you're doing just isn't right.
10. You follow your code of ethics; I'll follow mine.

Answer:
1 a; 2 b; 3 d; 4 b; 5 a; 6 a; 7 c; 8 c; 9 c; 10 c.
Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 4
55. Professional characteristics and accounting
In the space provided, indicate whether each phrase most clearly exemplifies: (a) specialized knowledge
base, (b) complex skills, (c) autonomy of practice or (d) adherence to a code of ethical behavior.
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

1. Advising others about conflicts of interest.


2. Behaving with integrity.
3. Calculating the balance in a bank account.
4. Developing confidence in your own opinion.
5. Keeping information confidential when required.
6. Learning advanced spreadsheet techniques.
7. Memorizing the accounting definition of depreciation.
8. Reciting the rules of debit and credit.
9. Thinking independently.
10. Upholding responsibilities to clients and colleagues.

Answer:
1- d; 2- d; 3- a; 4- c; 5-d; 6- b; 7- a; 8- a; 9- c; 10 d
Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 2

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

56. Resolution of ethical dilemmas


Jenna completed the following actions in a recent ethics investigation. Put the actions in the order
recommended by Langenderfer and Rockness.
______ a. Talked with her boss about her proposed action.
______ b. Suggested two possible actions: fire the employees or make them repay the amount
stolen.
______ c. Listed the effects of firing the employees.
______ d. Fired the employees.
______ e. Discovered inventory was missing.
______ f. Determined that the missing inventory affects the purchasing manager, receiving
clerks and accountants.
______ g. Decided to fire the employees.
______ h. Consulted the company's code of ethics.
Answer:
A 7; B 4; C 6; D 8; E 2; F 3; G 5; H 1.
Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 6
57. IMA Code of Ethics
Several statements from the IMA Code of Ethics appear below. Fill in the blanks on the left to complete
each statement, then indicate the code section it comes from in the right-hand column.

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

Answer:

Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 5


58. Recent ethics cases
In the space provided, indicate whether each of the following most clearly applies to: (a) Ponzi, (b)
Adelphia or (c) Enron/Arthur Andersen.
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

Earliest of the three.


Funded personal loans for owners.
International postal reply coupons.
Jeff Skilling.
John Rigas.
Latest of the three.
Natural gas industry.
Off balance-sheet debt.
Philanthropy/charitable giving.
Pyramid scheme

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

Answer:
a Ponzi; ; b Adelphia; c Ponzi; d Enron/Arthur Andersen; e Adelphia; f Enron/Arthur
Andersen; g - Enron/Arthur Anderson; h Enron/Arthur Andersen; i Adelphia; j Ponzi.
Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 7
59. Resolution of ethical dilemmas
The steps in Langenderfer and Rockness' model of ethical decision making are paraphrased below. Put
the steps in the correct order.
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

Carry out the decision.


Determine the ethics issues and the people involved.
Estimate the potential results of each possible course of action.
Figure out the details.
Identify the standards and beliefs related to the situation.
If appropriate, talk to someone else about the situation and the decision.
Make a choice that is consistent with the standards and beliefs.
Specify several possible choices

Answer:
a 8; b 2; c 6; d 1; e 3; f 7; g 5; h 4.
Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 6
60. Ethics models
Several statements regarding ethics are listed below. Group them according to the four schools of ethical
thought discussed in the text.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

All's well that ends well.


He'll get what's coming to him.
His actions are immoral; there's no other way to look at it.
In the long run, she'll pay for her wrongdoing.
Nothing matters as much as our after-tax profit.
So long as the company has enough cash on hand at the end of the year, anything we do is
OK.
g. The only important thing in this situation is for everyone to be allowed to do what seems
right to them.
h. This decision doesn't affect you, so don't bother me about it.
i. What you're doing just isn't right.
j. You follow your code of ethics; I'll follow mine.

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

Answer:

Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 4

Short answer questions


The following scenario applies to Questions 61 65:
Viola is an accountant in a small corporation. She recently started graduate school at an elite private
university; to defray some of her school expenses, she takes supplies (paper, pens, notebooks, computer
disks and so on) from work to use in her studies. Her actions cost the company roughly $500 a year, or
about 2% of the company's total budget for supplies. She justifies her action by telling herself that the
company will benefit from the knowledge she gains in graduate school.
61. Viola's actions raise an ethics issue for both herself and the corporation. Define each of the
following: ethics, meta-ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics.
Answer:
"Ethics" is a field of study that makes recommendations about right and wrong behavior. Metaethics looks at where ethical principles come from and what they mean. Normative ethics tries to
arrive at moral standards that regulate good and bad behavior; applied ethics looks at ethical
decision making in specific decision contexts.
Difficulty: Easy

Learning objective: 3

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

62. Which school of ethical thought is Viola apparently using? Defend her actions using that school of
thought.
Answer:
Viola is apparently following a utilitarian model of ethicsshe believes the end (the company
benefitting from her knowledge) justifies her actions (taking supplies for her studies).
Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 4
63. Use the ethical code of the Institute of Management Accountants to determine if Viola's actions are
ethical.
Answer:
Viola's actions violate the IMA code of ethics. With respect to integrity, she clearly has a conflict of
interesther education vs. her company's financial well being. She is also engaging in behavior that
might discredit the profession.
Difficulty: Medium Learning objective: 5
64. Suppose you were Viola's supervisor and that you discovered her actions. Use the eight-step model
presented in the text to outline what you would do in response to your discovery.
Answer: Using the eight-step model in the text, Viola's supervisor would:
a. Determine that she had actually stolen supplies.
b. Identify the ethics issue (theft of supplies); identify the stakeholders involved (Viola and the
company's management and/or stockholders).
c. Determine whether, based on the company's code of ethics and/or the manager's code of ethics,
Viola's actions are unethical.
d. List at least two possible ways to handle the situation. For example, her boss could fire her,
warn her not to engage in such actions again or ask her to replace the supplies she took.
e. Choose one of the alternatives identified in (d).
f. Evaluate the consequences of the action in (e). For example, warning her not to engage in such
actions again could set an example for other employees that petty theft is OK.
g. Discuss the proposed action with his/her supervisor or other colleague.
h. Take the action prescribed in (f).
Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 6
65. Assume the role of Viola's supervisor. Using the characteristics of a professional discussed in the
text, compose an e-mail that explains to Viola why her actions are unprofessional.
Answer: Viola's actions are unprofessional for at least the following reasons:
a. She is not exhibiting ethical professional behavior.
b. She is not demonstrating autonomy of practice (self-sufficiency).
c. Because she is violating a professional code of ethics, she is compromising the collective
identity of accountants.
Difficulty: Hard Learning objective: 2

Hurt: Accounting Information Systems


Chapter 3

McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010

You might also like