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Beyond a Code of Professional Ethics: A Holistic Model of Ethical Decision‐Making for Accountants

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  • JACK FLANAGAN
  • KEVIN CLARKE

Abstract

Most accountants do not realize—until it is perhaps too late—that virtually all aspects of their work have an ethical dimension. They often lack the knowledge and skills to analyse issues effectively, and when confronted with conflicting ethical problems cannot choose the way to move forward that is consistent with their own values and/or the profession's code of professional conduct. This article proposes that the accounting profession worldwide has simply attempted to prescribe simplistic solutions to often complex ethical problems. It endeavours to provide an alternative approach based on the process of ‘ethical knowing’ (Melchin, 1998). Such an approach turns the acquisition of understanding away from a focus on the external world of rules, concepts and exemplars, to the interior world of how accountants, as people, arrive at an understanding that is consistently ethical. To achieve this, the article relies on Lonergan's seminal (1957) examination of the internal processes of decision‐making and the critical roles played by developing skills in data retrieval and insight in the exercise of judgment.

Suggested Citation

  • Jack Flanagan & Kevin Clarke, 2007. "Beyond a Code of Professional Ethics: A Holistic Model of Ethical Decision‐Making for Accountants," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 43(4), pages 488-518, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:abacus:v:43:y:2007:i:4:p:488-518
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6281.2007.00242.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Giuliana Bronzoni Liberato & Marcelo Sanches Pagliarussi, 2008. "Disclosure de estratégia em relatórios anuais: a influência das dimensões culturais, do sistema legal e da governança corporativa em empresas de quatro países," Fucape Working Papers 03, Fucape Business School.
    2. Ballantine, Joan & Kelly, Martin & Larres, Patricia, 2020. "Banking for the common good: A Lonerganian perspective," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 67.
    3. Derun Ivan, 2017. "Improvement of the essence of professional judgment in accounting of Ukraine," Technology audit and production reserves, 2(34) 2017, Socionet;Technology audit and production reserves, vol. 2(4(34)), pages 25-29.
    4. Abdolmohammadi, Mohammad J. & Fedorowicz, Jane & Davis, Ophera, 2009. "Accountants’ cognitive styles and ethical reasoning: A comparison across 15years," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 185-196.

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