The Bible and Accounting Ethics
The Bible and accounting have numerous similarities when it comes to ethics. First, let us take a look at the definition of ethics; “ethics are the beliefs that distinguish right from wrong. They are accepted standards of good and bad behavior” (Wild, p.8). Therefore when comparing the two we are able to distinguish certain verses in the bible, with the code of ethics in accounting that are recognized in the accounting industry or any industry at that.
There are a few verses that I would like to start off with, just to give the reader an idea of the many scriptures that pertain not only to accounting ethics but general code of ethics for any form of business. “You shall not steal; you shall not deal
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Those changes can only come with hiring different people who have different backgrounds and ideas, and without that the company itself will not stand out to potential clients.
Lastly I will discuss competition within different companies. When it comes to competition for different companies one company may think that wiping out their fellow competition would be beneficial to their business when in fact it is immoral. “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him” (Exodus 23:4-5, English Standard Version). Basically what this scripture is trying to get across is that even though they are competition it is moral to compete in a friendly way. Making it a goal to destroy that company because they are competition is unethical. For instance, put yourself in the competitor’s shoes would you like it if your fellow competition was striving to put you out of business for their own personal gain? To be an honest company one must follow the ethics of the Bible, not only for personal reasons but to honor our Lord who will reward in the end.
Citations
Friedman, H. H. (2003). Creating a company code of ethics: Using the bible as a guide. Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, Vol.8(1), Retrieved from
Careful analysis of the corporate code of ethics, applicable laws, and Scripture provided clear solutions for managers to take to avoid these incidents. First, provide employees the code of ethics, train them to follow the codes, supervise the work of the engineers, and immediately correct violations. Second, take similar steps regarding the knowledge and application of law. Third, Christians must conduct themselves within the construct of God’s Word and these principles should provide an example for others to follow.
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