Professionalism in accounting: a five-factor model of ethical decision-making
ISSN: 1747-1117
Article publication date: 18 January 2019
Issue publication date: 17 April 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of ethical decision-making that applies to accountants and the accounting profession.
Design/methodology/approach
This model is an integration of five factors that influence ethical decision-making by accountants: professional codes of conduct; philosophical orientation; religious orientation; culturally derived values; and moral maturity.
Findings
This model is a synthesis of previous identified factors that influence ethical decision-making and incorporates them into a model that is specific to professional accountants.
Research limitations/implications
The authors develop a set of propositions and explain how this model can be tested and its implications for both the accounting profession and the teaching of business ethics.
Originality/value
This model presents a new way of viewing ethical decision-making by accountants that is predicated on the importance of professional codes of conduct that influence both behaviour and decision-making. The external certification of professional accountants provides a layer of accountability not previously incorporated into ethical decision-making models.
Keywords
Citation
Dunn, P. and Sainty, B. (2020), "Professionalism in accounting: a five-factor model of ethical decision-making", Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 255-269. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-11-2017-0240
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited