2026
updated
Ethical Decision Making Model - ANSWER-helps you actively work through gray
area and choose the best possible solution to an ethical dilema
Step 1: Recognize the ethical issue
Step 2: Gather the critical facts
Step 3: Identify the stakeholders
Step 4: Consider your alternatives
Step 5: Consider the effect on stakeholders
Step 6: Consider your comfort level
Step 7: Consider rules, regulations and laws
Step 8: Make a decision
Step 9: Document your efforts
Step 10: Evaluate the outcome
Step 1 - ANSWER-Recognize the ethical issue
Step 2 - ANSWER-Gather the critical facts
-you may not have all the facts, but you need the key ones (material)
Step 3 - ANSWER-Identify the stakeholders
-who is affected by your decisions/actions
-consider as many as possible
,AICPA Ethics Exam fully solved &
2026
updated
Step 4 - ANSWER-Consider your alternatives
-approaches you could take to address this matter and resolve the ethical
conflict
Step 5 - ANSWER-Consider the effect on stakeholders
-effect of each alternative
Step 6 - ANSWER-Consider your comfort level
-how comfortable are you with each option
-how would you feel if you have to discuss your decision in public
Step 7 - ANSWER-Consider rules, regulations, and laws
-rules set by AICPA, state accountancy board, state CPA society
Step 8 - ANSWER-Make a decision
-take the time you need
-discuss with colleague, gain perspectives, counsel, don't be hasty
, AICPA Ethics Exam fully solved &
2026
updated
Step 9 - ANSWER-Document your efforts
-your understanding of the facts
-who you consulted with and their professional affiliations
-your decision
Step 10 - ANSWER-Evaluate the outcome
-would you have done anything differently
Professional & Regulatory Bodies - ANSWER-set ethics standards and rules for
members of the accounting profession
State CPA licensing boards
AICPA
SEC
PCABO
IFAC
IRS
GAO
DOL
others