Question
Noreen Parke has been working at Tony Young & Associates for 3 years. Noreen and her husband, Ton, are both interested in environmental issues and
Noreen Parke has been working at Tony Young & Associates for 3 years. Noreen and her husband, Ton, are both interested in environmental issues and have participated in community work concerning the environment. During a pharmaceutical company's annual audit for the financial year ended 30 June 2022, Noreen notices the company had recently changed its contractor for waste management to We R Dumping Pty Ltd. Noreen happens to know, through her community activities, that We R Dumping is being investigated by the local council for the level of toxic waste at one of its sites. The waste management contract between We R Dumping and the pharmaceutical company does not specify damages and has not been signed by We Dumping. The contract is for a substantial amount and is valid for 3 years, and Noreen is concerned about the implications. The local council carries out strict inspections and imposes heavy fines for toxic dumping. Noreen raises the issue with Tony, the partner in charge of the audit. 'This is reality, Noreen', Tony says. 'As far as I am concerned, we are responsible for the correctness of its financial report, and nothing else. Besides, you do not have the qualification to judge whether a company is a good corporate citizen or not. We are not concerned with the business management.' Noreen is told to mind her audit without raising any fuss.
Required
Using the AAA ethical decision model, explain the ethical issues involved here and recommend a course of action for Noreen.
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started