The Influence of Professionalism and Perceived Threats on the Ethical Judgment of Accountants

Authors

  • Cueto S Adventist University of the Philippines
  • Felices A Adventist University of the Philippines
  • Fermin G J Adventist University of the Philippines
  • EVELY GARCIA LINTAO ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
  • Reynoso J L Adventist University of the Philippines

Keywords:

accountant, professionalism, perceived threats, ethical judgment

Abstract

This study examined the influence of professionalism and perceived threats on the ethical judgment of accountants. The study employed a descriptive correlational design and utilized a purposive sampling technique in gathering data from the 110 participants who have at least three years of working experience as accountants. The validated survey questionnaire was distributed after getting the approval of the Ethics Regulatory Board. The findings of the study indicate that self-interest, self-review, familiarity, and intimidation have a significant relationship to the ethical judgment of the accountants. Furthermore, self-interest, self-review, and intimidation as sub-variables of perceived threats emerged as the predictors of ethical judgment. Based on the results, the researchers recommend that accountants should be more aware of perceived threats that may affect their ability to create an unbiased ethical judgment. In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding on the ethical judgment of accountants, further investigation through a qualitative study is recommended in order have a differ understanding on the factors affecting the ethical judgment of accountants.

Article Metrics

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adekoya, A. C., Oboh, C. S., & Oyewumi, O. R. (2020). Accountants perception of the factors influencing auditors' ethical behaviour in Nigeria. Heliyon, 6(6).

Ahmad, S. A., Taha, F. N., Yunos, R. M., & Sanusi, Z. (2021). Whistleblowing intentions among external auditors: A study on ethical judgement, locus of control and personal characteristics. International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 13(3), 286. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijbem.2021.116633

Aifuwa, H. O., Embele, K., & Saidu, M. (2018). Ethical accounting practices and financial reporting quality. EPRA Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 4(12), 31-44.

Baïada-Hirèche, L., & Garmilis, G. (2016). Accounting professionals’ ethical judgment and the institutional disciplinary context: A French–US comparison. Journal of business ethics, 139, 639-659.

Barrainkua, I., & Espinosa-Pike, M. (2018). The influence of auditors’ professionalism on ethical judgement: Differences among practitioners and postgraduate students. Revista de Contabilidad, 21(2), 176-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcsar.2017.07.001

Brooks, L. J. (2018). Business and professional ethics for directors, executives & accountants.

Bulo, A., MahaluÃ, F., Vilanculos, A., Mabjaia, E., Maite, A., & Macuacua, J. (2020). Analysis of the level of compliance with the code of ethics in the accounting profession. Journal of Accounting and Taxation, 12(3), 108-117.

Chimonaki, C., Papadakis, S., & Lemonakis, C. (2023). Perspectives in fraud theories–A systematic review approach. F1000Research, 12, 933.

Dharmasiri, P., Phang, S. Y., Prasad, A., & Webster, J. (2022). Consequences of ethical and audit violations: Evidence from the PCAOB settled disciplinary orders. Journal of Business Ethics, 1-25.

Dunn, P., & Sainty, B. (2020). Professionalism in accounting: a five-factor model of ethical decision-making. Social Responsibility Journal, 16(2), 255-269.

Edel, A. (2020, March 1). Ethical Judgment: The Use of Science in Ethics, 2nd Edition. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780429337116/ethical- judgment abraham-edel.

Fatemi, D., Hasseldine, J., & Hite, P. (2020). The influence of ethical codes of conduct on professionalism in tax practice. Journal of Business Ethics, 164, 133-149.

Fernandhytia, F., & Muslichah, M. (2020). The effect of internal control, individual morality and ethical value on accounting fraud tendency. Media Ekonomi Dan Manajemen, 35(1), 112-127.

Ishwara P & Naod Mekonnen (2024) Ethical decision-making dynamics: insights from professional accountants, Cogent Business & Management, 11:1, 2301138, DOI: 10.1080/23311975.2023.2301138

Jaijairam, P. (2017). Ethics in accounting. Journal of finance and accountancy, 23, 1-13.

Johari, R. J., Mohd‐Sanusi, Z., & Chong, V. K. (2017). Effects of auditors' ethical orientation and self‐interest independence threat on the mediating role of moral intensity and ethical decision‐making process. International Journal of Auditing, 21(1), 38-58.

Kiradoo, G. (2020). Ethics in accounting: Analysis of current financial failures and role of accountants. International Journal of Management (IJM), 11(2), 241-247.

Lail, B., MacGregor, J., Marcum, J., & Stuebs, M. (2017). Virtuous professionalism in accountants to avoid fraud and to restore financial reporting. Journal of Business Ethics, 140, 687-704.

Larmande, F., & Lesage, C. (2023). Auditor's professional judgment, audit efficiency and interplay between legal liability and regulatory oversight. Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, 42(6), 107130.

Melé, D., Rosanas, J. M., & Fontrodona, J. (2016, September 28). Ethics in Finance and Accounting: Editorial Introduction. Journal of Business Ethics, 140(4)609–613.

Louwers, T. J., Blay, A. D., & Sinason, D. H. (2018). Auditing & assurance services. McGraw-Hill.

Nambukara-Gamage, B., & Rahman, S. (2020). Ethics in accounting practices and its influence on business performance. PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences, 6(1), 331-348.

Payne, D. M., Corey, C., Raiborn, C., & Zingoni, M. (2020). An applied code of ethics model for decision-making in the accounting profession. Management Research Review, 43(9), 1117-1134.

PowerDMS, Compliance Management. (2020, December 22). Why Is Accounting Important in the Workplace? https://www.powerdms.com/policy-learning- center/why-is- a ccountability-important-in-the-workplace

Ramos Montesdeoca, M., Sanchez Medina, A. J., & Blazquez Santana, F. (2019). Research topics in accounting fraud in the 21st century: A state of the art. Sustainability, 11(6), 1570.

Richardson, A. J. (2020). Professionalization and intraprofessional competition in the Canadian accounting profession. In A History of Canadian Accounting Thought and Practice (pp. 183-208). Routledge.

Rustiarini, N. W., Yuesti, A., & Dewi, N. P. S. (2021). Professional commitment and whistleblowing intention: The role of national culture. Jurnal Review Akuntansi dan Keuangan, 11(1), 87-102.

Sepasi, S. (2019). Accounting Ethics. International Journal of Ethics and Society, 1(2), 23-29.

Shaikh, J. M. (2023). Considering the ethics of accounting in managing business accounts: a review. TESS Res Econ Bus, 2(1), 115.

Sinambela, E. A., Mardikaningsih, R., Arifin, S., & Ayu, H. D. (2020). Development of self-competence and supervision to achieve professionalism. Journal of Islamic Economics Perspectives, 1(2), 33-42.

The international code of ethics for professional accountants: Key areas of focus for SMEs and SMPs. (n.d.). IFAC. https://www.ifac.org/knowledge-gateway/discussion/international-code-ethics-professional-accountants-key-areas-focus-smes-and-smps

Threats to Auditor Independence. (n.d.). Corporate Finance Institute. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/accounting/threats-to- auditor- independence/

Tuan Mansor, T. M., Mohamad Ariff, A., & Hashim, H. A. (2020). Whistleblowing by auditors: the role of professional commitment and independence commitment. Managerial Auditing Journal, 35(8), 1033-1055.

Ustinova, Y. (2023). The impact of accounting fraud which leads to financial crimes: Accounting fraud. In Financial Crimes: A Guide to Financial Exploitation in a Digital Age (pp. 165-189). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Vriens, D., Vosselman, E., & Groß, C. (2018). Public professional accountability: A conditional approach. Journal of Business Ethics, 153, 1179-1196.

West, A. (2018). After virtue and accounting ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 148, 21-36.

Ye, M., & Simunic, D. A. (2024). The impact of PCAOB-type regulations on auditors under different legal systems. Journal of Accounting, Auditing & Finance, 39(2), 364-387.

Downloads

Published

2024-11-06

How to Cite

S, C., A, F., G J, F., LINTAO, E. G., & J L, R. (2024). The Influence of Professionalism and Perceived Threats on the Ethical Judgment of Accountants. 11th International Scholars Conference, 11(3), 774-785. Retrieved from https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/isc/article/view/3492