Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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.
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.
Learning objective: 1
Learning objective: 1
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.
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
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.
Learning objective: 4
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
Meta-ethics.
Normative ethics.
Applied ethics.
Situational ethics.
Answer:
B
Meta-ethics.
Normative ethics.
Applied ethics.
Situational ethics.
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
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.
Communicating effectively.
Actively seeking additional knowledge.
Exhibiting ethical professional behavior.
Using information technology effectively.
Answer: A
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.
Answer: A
28. An accountant should remain as objective as possible in any professional responsibility, reflecting
which of McDonald's characteristics?
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
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
Ethics models
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.
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
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.
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
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
Answer:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
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.
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.
Answer:
Learning objective: 3
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