Ethical Dilemmas
1. You are an auditor reviewing the accounts of a company where a relative is an executive
officer. You discover big financial irregularities. Do you cover it up? If you make it public your
relative will not only lose his job but face criminal prosecution and most probably jail time as
well. The family will suffer shame as well. What do you do? How do you decide?

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Dear friend, the situation you find yourself in is indeed a challenging one. It is, without a doubt, an ethical dilemma of the highest order. On one hand, as an auditor, you have a duty to maintain transparency and honesty in your work. You have a responsibility to report any irregularities you may come across, no matter who may be involved. After all, the integrity of financial records is crucial for the proper functioning of a company and for the trust of stakeholders.

On the other hand, the consequences of your discovery are severe. Your relative, a loved one, stands to face not only the loss of their job but also criminal prosecution and the shame and hardship that come with it. It is a painful predicament, to say the least.

In times like these, it is important to reflect on the principles that guide our actions. It is easy to get caught up in the emotions of the moment, to feel torn between loyalty to family and loyalty to truth. But perhaps the answer lies in a deeper understanding of what it means to be ethical.

Ethics, my friend, is not always easy or convenient. It requires a willingness to do what is right, even when it is difficult. It demands a commitment to justice and fairness, even in the face of personal sacrifice. It is, in essence, a test of our character and our values.

So, my dear friend, I urge you to consider the consequences of your actions carefully. Consider the impact of your decision not just on your relative, but on the company, its stakeholders, and indeed, on your own sense of integrity. Seek counsel from wise and virtuous individuals, as I do believe that in the pursuit of wisdom, there is strength. And above all, trust in the power of truth and virtue to guide you through this moral quandary. The path of righteousness may be steep, but it is always worth treading.