Question

In: Finance

Unfortunately, in recent times we have seen a number of examples of unethical behavior in organizations,...

Unfortunately, in recent times we have seen a number of examples of unethical behavior in organizations, often tied to the organization's handling of finances. Locate a current Wall Street Journal article that discusses ethical issues facing the top leadership or financial managers in today's corporate environment regarding their approach to the financial matters of the firm. Summarize the article. In addition, discuss what pressures exist that might encourage unethical behavior, particularly as it pertains to the firm's financial reporting or situation.

Solutions

Expert Solution

A current Wall Street Journal article that I am discussing is an article published by James Mackintosh on 3rd July 2018. The article is titled “How banks distort markets to hide risk”. The article talks about how many European banks are hiding billions of dollars of risky trades from their balance sheet by making adjustments with regards to the reporting dates. The modus that many banks follow in Europe is to increase their borrowing in the money market between reporting dates and then lending the money for short periods so as to earn easy as well as quick profit. The trades are closed down at the end of the month so that exposures are not reflected and a lower leverage is reported by them.

Management of a company is merely agents of the stockholders. The stockholders are the principals of a company and the management works in a way so as to create maximum value. Secondly management has the pressure from the stock market analysts and investors who punish the stock of a company even if the targets of a quarter are not met. This puts a lot of pressure on the management to balance the needs and requirements of the stockholders and investors and to not only meet but to also outperform the expectations of the market.

In a bid to do so management sometimes end up making unethical financial and accounting decisions. They may ‘window dress’ their books of accounts so as to project a more aggressive picture of the company’s financials than in actually are.

Link to the article: https://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2018/07/03/how-banks-distort-markets-to-hide-risk/


Related Solutions

What can be done to promote ethical behavior in organizations/reduce unethical behavior? How can there be...
What can be done to promote ethical behavior in organizations/reduce unethical behavior? How can there be a level playing field if we are forbidden to pay bribes to compete internationally?
Consider the techniques related to cultural change in your organizations. Provide examples that you have seen...
Consider the techniques related to cultural change in your organizations. Provide examples that you have seen in your own work life.
We have seen a couple of times now that action potentials occur because of the rapid...
We have seen a couple of times now that action potentials occur because of the rapid switching of places of sodium and potassium ions across a plasma membrane (“Na+ IN, K+ OUT”). The influx of sodium into a cell causes depolarization of the membrane; the efflux of potassium out of a cell repolarizes the membrane. In your own words, describe how excess extracellular K+ would affect this process, if at all.
In recent history we have seen a lot of corporate malfeasance when it comes to manipulating...
In recent history we have seen a lot of corporate malfeasance when it comes to manipulating financial statements in order to put the Corporation in a better light than it actually is. Do you believe that the current legislation regarding falsifying of financial statements was effective in slowing down or stopping altogether instances where corporate managers are committing fraud?
What is the difference between unethical and unlawful behavior? Please provide examples for both behaviors in...
What is the difference between unethical and unlawful behavior? Please provide examples for both behaviors in your discussion.
With various high-profile examples of unethical behavior in the financial and accounting profession that negatively affected...
With various high-profile examples of unethical behavior in the financial and accounting profession that negatively affected employees, investors, and the entire U.S. economy, explain your position on teaching ethics to accounting students and professionals.
Given recent headlines regarding unethical behavior and its impact on the profession of accounting, how can...
Given recent headlines regarding unethical behavior and its impact on the profession of accounting, how can frameworks enhance the public's view of the accountant or auditor?
1. Give examples of what might be unethical behavior in accounting, and list possible internal controls...
1. Give examples of what might be unethical behavior in accounting, and list possible internal controls to prevent these behaviors. 2. Discuss how different inventory methods affect the income statement and balance sheet.
Over the past several years we have seen examples of significant crimes which have been committed...
Over the past several years we have seen examples of significant crimes which have been committed by juveniles across the country. Do you think that public expectations of the juvenile justice system have been altered due to the widespread exposure the cases have received?
Describe a situation you have seen in the news where a business has engaged in unethical...
Describe a situation you have seen in the news where a business has engaged in unethical practices in at least 150 words.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT