Accounting and Finance Foundations

Unit 1

Accounting and Finance Foundations Unit 1: Accounting Careers 60

Accounting Careers Student Guide

Integrity

What does the word integrity mean to you? Many companies include an interpretation of the word in their

code of conduct.

n    “We always try to do the right thing.” -Procter & Gamble

n    “To say what we mean, to deliver what we promise, to fulfill our commitments, and to stand for

what is right.” -Lockheed Martin

n    “We do the right thing without compromise. We avoid even the appearance of impropriety.” –Intel

Companies with integrity have an absolute commitment to do what is right in all business activities. Integ-

rity is ultimately the most critical component to long-term business success. A business that fails to act

with integrity will soon find it difficult to hire employees, deal with suppliers, and enjoy repeat customers.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants recognizes that integrity is critical for maintaining

public confidence in its members’ professional services. “Integrity is an element of character fundamental

to professional recognition. It is the quality from which the public trust derives and the benchmark against

which a member must ultimately test all decisions.”

In private and to yourself, think of five people you believe to possess integrity.

Do you have integrity?

Chapter 3