Question

1. In the reading “What is the ‘Good’ Forensic Accountant? A Virtue Ethics Perspective”, the author supports the use of a ‘Virtue Ethics’ approach to the training and practice of professionals. Briefly describe Virtue Ethics and explain why such an approach is both relevant and useful to finance and accounting professionals.

2. “All that is needed for good behaviour is a Code of Ethics.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement. Justify and explain your answer.

Answer 1

1

Virtue of ethics theory

It does not depend on a particular account of the virtues, although the following general points may be made, some of which are consciously picked up in later sections.

First, the position taken is not exclusivist. In other words, a virtue approach is taken to be complementary, in some way or ways, to other, more impersonal, approaches to ethics, such as deontological and consequentialist perspectives – what Whetstone (2001, p. 102) refers to, in the business ethics literature, as a “tripartite ethics formulation.”

Second, while virtue is generally taken to mean moral virtue in some sense, the Greek root arete , which connotes excellence in a more general sense, is recognized here. Thus, for example, the arete of a knife might be its sharpness.

Third, a consideration of vice (from which “vicious”) as well as virtue is taken to be of potential value within a virtue approach.

Fourth, an open position is taken with regard to a central issue in virtue theory, namely, the unity of virtue or of the virtues (Richmond 2005). Nevertheless, it is taken that virtues tend to work together, even if they might be in tension on occasions. Consider, for example, the value of courage being coupled with wisdom.

Fifth, while there might be merit in examining virtue in some corporate or collective sense, perhaps with a focus on businesses, professional firms, or even – of particular relevance here – professional bodies, the focus of this piece will less contentiously be on virtue at the level of the individual.

Finally, even though the focus here is on the individual, virtue has a social component in the sense that it does not take place in a vacuum (Pence 1993). Virtue is practiced and developed in a social context. Moreover, what is considered virtuous – or vicious – is context specific. This is often discussed in terms of different societies. Thus the virtues appropriate to the ancient Greek city state are different from the virtues that might be desired today, and conceptions of virtue show variation across different national cultures. More importantly for current purposes, even within a particular society with a common understanding of the good life, there will be some variation in the virtues called forth from different actors. Thus, even if there are elements in common, the virtues of a good accountant will tend to differ, in content and emphasis, from those of a good footballer or even a good manager. The next section therefore makes some brief comments about the varied practices of accounting itself.

2.

I disagree with the statement code of ethics consist of following-

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Sample Template:
1. Be inclusive.
support people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social and economic class, educational level, color, immigration status, sex, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.

2. Be considerate.
depend on each other to produce the best work we can as a company. Your decisions will affect clients and colleagues, and you should take those consequences into account when making decisions.

3. Be respectful.
We won't all agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for disrespectful behavior. We will all experience frustration from time to time, but we cannot allow that frustration become personal attacks. An environment where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive or creative one.

4. Choose your words carefully.
Always conduct yourself professionally. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Harassment and exclusionary behavior aren't acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:

Threats of violence.
Insubordination.
Discriminatory jokes and language.
Sharing sexually explicit or violent material via electronic devices or other means.
Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms.
Unwelcome sexual attention.
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
5. Don't harass.
In general, if someone asks you to stop something, then stop. When we disagree, try to understand why. Differences of opinion and disagreements are mostly unavoidable. What is important is that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively.

6. Make differences into strengths.
We can find strength in diversity. Different people have different perspectives on issues, and that can be valuable for solving problems or generating new ideas. Being unable to understand why someone holds a viewpoint doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. Don’t forget that we all make mistakes, and blaming each other doesn’t get us anywhere.

Instead, focus on resolving issues and learning from mistakes.

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