Question

Betty has finally returned to her job as an accountant at Blue Chip Enterprises, a small family-run hardware supplies chain, after a five-year extended maternity break. She has returned at an important time in the fiscal year: tax season. As she reviews the books for the period she was

gone, she notices little anomalies which suggest that Blue Chip has been reporting much less

income than they have actually made in the last two years.

Troubled by this, Betty approaches the company owner, Mr.Asamoah, who comes clean and explains that he has been altering the books because of a personal financial slump that he fell into because of a gambling problem.

Mr.Asamoah promises that from now on, now that Betty is back, he will no longer attempt to reduce his tax liability because he and the company are in a better place now. However, he also makes clear to Betty that he cannot afford to pay the back taxes and their penalties.

If Betty reports the fraud to the tax authorities, the company may close. If it comes out that she

did not report it, she will lose her license.

Questions

1. What are the main ethical issue(s) in this scenario?
2. Set out the possible courses of action open to Betty
3. Assess these alternatives using ethical theories familiar to you        
4. What should she do, and why?          

That's all. There is no additional information.

Answer 1

a). The main scenario in this matter is obligations of Betty towards her employer and her association.

b) betty can make following activities-

1. She should inform the members of its association with stating all conditions about the employer with a request of imposing miner penalty.

2. She can show her loyalty towards her employer and follow the suggestions of Mr.Asamoah, however it is against its ethical code of conduct.

c) If She informs the members of its association with stating all conditions about the employer with a request of imposing miner penalty, it is possible that higher authorities may consider the matter and make miner penalty over employer. If she hides, it may be unethical in all respects.

d) She should inform the members of its association with stating all conditions about the employer with a request of imposing miner penalty.

Thanks & all the best........