1. An ALGA Webinar September 15, 2015
Everyday Ethics:
Using A Practical Tool to Manage Ethical Dilemmas
An ALGA Webinar September 15, 2015

2. Moderator R. Kinney Poynter
Opening Remarks
Moderator R. Kinney Poynter
Executive Director
NASACT
Speaker Dr. Douglas Ziegenfuss Professor and Chair of the School of Accountancy Old Dominion University

3. Dr. Doug Ziegenfuss Department of Accounting Constant Hall, Room 2157
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Office
FAX

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5. Learning Objectives Understand what ethics are.
Understand a framework for resolving ethical conflicts.
Understand weaknesses with codes of conduct and suggestions for improvement.

6. What are Ethics?
Ethics are the use of rational thought to produce the rules for living life to the fullest.
Morality involves religious values to produce the rules for living life to the fullest
Codes of Conduct are:
“The rules or standards governing the conduct of the members of a profession”
The American Heritage Dictionary

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8. Codes of Conduct Suffer from a dilemma
Too broad and code doesn’t provide guidance (no letter of the law).
Too specific and users take a legalese or jailhouse lawyer approach to compliance (break spirit of the law).
Professional Organizations attempt to address this dilemma by having a section on general principles and a section on specific rules, rulings and interprestations.

9. How Do We Learn Ethical Behavior?
Initially from our parents, teachers etc.
Usually by adolescence.
This presentation today will not change your values.
Hopefully will provide some discipline to your thinking.

10. SOURCE ARTHUR ANDERSEN “Ethics in Business Program”
Produced in the Late 1980’s
Who was Arthur Andersen?
The Ohio State University website has the Accountants Hall of Fame
“Final Accounting” by Barbara Ley Toffler
ISBN

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12. What are ethical dilemmas?
An ethical dilemma occurs whenever two or more stakeholders have conflicting stakes on your loyalty or outcome from a decision.
Who are your stakeholders?

13. What is the best way to address ethical dilemmas?
Prevention!
Tone at the Top!

14. 1. Determine the facts - What, Who, Where, When, How.
How to resolve ethical dilemmas once they occur?
1. Determine the facts - What, Who, Where, When, How.

15. 2. Identify the ethical issues and stakeholders involved.

16. 3. Define the norms, principles and values related to the situation.

17. 4. Identify various courses of action.

18. 5. Decide the best course of action consistent with the norms, principles, and values.

19. 6. Identify the consequences of each possible course of action.

20. 7. If appropriate, discuss the choices with a trusted person to help gain greater perspective regarding the choices.

21. 8. Make a decision.

22. 9. Document the above.

23. Moderator R. Kinney Poynter
Question and Answer
Moderator R. Kinney Poynter
Executive Director
NASACT
Speaker Dr. Douglas Ziegenfuss Professor and Chair of the School of Accountancy Old Dominion University

24. Any Additional Questions?

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26. HAVE A GREAT DAY!