Question

Difficulty: EasyEthical Issues and Professional Ethics in Accounting

Match each fundamental ethical principle in accounting on the left with its correct description on the right.

  • IntegrityBeing straightforward and honest in all professional and business dealings.
  • ObjectivityNot allowing bias, conflict of interest, or undue influence of others to override professional judgments.
  • ConfidentialityRefraining from disclosing client or employer information to third parties without explicit authorization or legal duty.
  • Professional Competence and Due CareMaintaining professional knowledge and skill to ensure competent service based on current developments and standards.

Answer

Integrity matches with being straightforward and honest; Objectivity matches with avoiding bias, conflicts of interest, or undue influence; Confidentiality matches with refraining from unauthorized disclosure of information; Professional Competence and Due Care matches with maintaining professional knowledge and skills.
Professional accounting bodies such as ICAN and IFAC establish five core ethical principles: Integrity (honesty), Objectivity (unbiased judgment), Confidentiality (protecting secret information), Professional Competence and Due Care (maintaining skills and diligence), and Professional Behavior (compliance with laws).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core definition of Integrity.
Integrity matches with being straightforward and honest in all professional and business dealings.
Integrity fundamentally concerns moral honesty and truthfulness in accounting work.
2
Identify the core definition of Objectivity.
Objectivity matches with not allowing bias, conflict of interest, or undue influence to override professional judgments.
Objectivity demands impartial decision-making free from external pressure or prejudice.
3
Identify the core definition of Confidentiality.
Confidentiality matches with refraining from disclosing client or employer information to third parties without authorization or legal duty.
Confidentiality protects sensitive non-public information obtained during professional duties.
4
Identify the core definition of Professional Competence and Due Care.
Professional Competence and Due Care matches with maintaining professional knowledge and skill to ensure competent service.
Accountants are required to keep their technical knowledge up to date and work with proper diligence.

Key Concept

Fundamental Ethical Principles of Accounting
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