Towards a Hierarchy of the Fundamental Ethical Principles: Integrity as the Core Principle

Author:Alexandra ARDELEAN, Ph. D. Student

JEL:M14, M41, M 42, M53, M59, G02

DOI:

Keywords:integrity, fundamental principles, ethical behaviour, ethics code, threats, perception of integrity, disciplinary process

Abstract:
The value of the moral solidity of auditors may be quantified through their ethical behaviour, within which integrity is the central vector. This principle of the IFAC Code underlines the necessity for honesty and reliability in audit in order to neutralize the threats upon an ethical behaviour. This research is based on the answers received to a study conducted by FEE. Taking into account the definition agreed upon by the majority of respondents, the fact that integrity is placed in the middle of the professional behaviour and the fact that the most appropriate means to implement integrity were validated, the aim of the statistical analysis is to determine if a hierarchy of the fundamental principles is wanted. Thus, the research goal resides in determining the quality of core principle attached to integrity as compared with the other principles which was confirmed, in establishing the relation that is formed with the other principles and which is a complementary one, in identifying if there are influences of the perception of integrity regarding the profession upon the integrity of its members and in confirming if the presence of ethical values that can be expressed by means of an ethics code is necessary. To clarify the position of this principle within the ethical behaviour of auditors contributes to conciliate the image the public has formed with the requests of the profession in order to increase the trust in the viability of an audit.\r\n

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