Professional Behaviour Essay

A framework of professional principles can guide demeanor where the law is non applicable, not clear, or remains silent. Behaving legally is the minimum standard of behaviour expected of the ethical accountant. Some behaviour, while legal, may simmer down be regarded as unethical. Many aspects and decisions within accounting roles, at all levels, are not covered by the law. Therefore, in many assorted situations, the law is not sufficient to guide a professionals behaviour, but a professional is also expected to behave in symmetry with accepted professional principles.Acting in the public interest The public is everyone who is affected or could potentially be affected by the work or shortcomings of accountants and auditors, including third party institutions. The interest is the potential impact of accountants work on the public, whether that be beneficial or harmful. What actions are the public interested in as far as accountancy is concerned?Money laundering * the conversion or transfer of property, knowing that much(prenominal) property is derived from criminal activity or from an act of participation in such activity, for the purpose of concealing or disguising the illicit origin of the property or of assisting any person who is involved in the commission of such activity to evade the legal consequences of his action and * the concealment or disguise of the true nature, source, location, disposition, movement, rights with respect to, or ownership of property, knowing that such property is derived from criminal activity or from an act of participation in such activity.Insider trading is another form of corruption. This is making investor decisions based on confidential information. Insider trading is a criminal offence in most countries, although the effectiveness of enforcement varies. The reasons it is usually illegal are * It is unfair on investors who do not have access to the information * It may deter investors from participating in the market at all, undermining the basic purpose of markets, which is to allow companies to raise capital * It may destabilise markets by encouraging the trading of stock based on rumours * It involves profiting from a breach of confidence, at the expense (at least partially) of people to whom the insider has a certificate of indebtedness (such as their employer, and their employers shareholders) Defenders of insider trading claim that it improves market efficiency by allowing confidential information to influence prices more quickly. However, in most situations insider trading is considered to be highly damaging.