Learn behavioural ethics from "Tipper X", one of the most prolific informants in securities fraud history.

Why do seemingly honest, hard-working people who start out with the best intentions commit unethical, or in some cases, illegal acts? What is it that leads them astray? There is no simple reason why good employees turn bad or make poor decisions. Unethical behaviour is often the result of a combination of cultural and personal factors. No one is immune to carrying out inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

The kind of decision making errors presented in this course come from a field of study known as behavioural ethics, which draws on psychology, cognitive science, evolutionary biology and related disciplines to determine how and why people make ethical and unethical decisions.

Using examples from the accounting and audit profession, common biases will be introduced which impact decision making. Participants will examine cognitive errors, organizational pressures and situational factors involved in the decision making process. Organizational solutions for preventing unethical behaviour will be provided along with a framework for ethical decision making. Quiz questions will be introduced throughout the course.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Learn to identify key decision making biases and heuristics which contribute to unethical and illicit behaviour
• Examine situational factors, often unconscious ones, which contribute to unethical behaviour
• Identify external pressures which drive well-meaning professionals to "cross the line"
• Develop confidence in pushing back on common rationalizations from bosses, clients and co-workers which can lead to unethical decisions
• Gain insight from the lessons learned from a former undercover FBI informant now on an on-going journey into human behaviour and why professionals sometimes make the wrong decisions

WHO WILL BENEFIT

Business professionals and CPAs who want a better understanding of why people make certain decisions and how common biases influence ethical decision making.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the course are non-authoritative and have not been formally endorsed by CPA Ontario and do not reflect the views of CPA Ontario. The information included in the course is for general information purposes only.

CPA Ontario, the presenters and the authors do not accept any responsibility or liability that might occur directly or indirectly as a consequence of the use or application of or reliance on this material.