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Would you entrust your money to someone you thought was unethical? Would you risk heavy fines and possible jail time for skimming funds from a client? People who work in finance are placed in a fiduciary position of trust; first, by their employers, if they're not self-employed, but more importantly, by members of the general public, over whose assets they are given control. Their daily business is directly working with other people's money, or doing other things that affect the public's investment decisions, and if they are unethical people, their clients, and the public, are at high risk for being cheated. Finance workers are entitled to reasonable fees for their services, but they are not entitled to engage in investment activity solely to generate more commissions for themselves, or engage in any other self-dealing while they are doing their jobs on behalf of their clients. And they have to exercise reasonable care when doing their jobs. Given the many scandals of recent years, many companies have done their best to publicize their codes of ethics, and to acknowledge their responsibility to the public. These firms know that public confidence in their finance people matters a great deal, and unethical behavior (or even the perception of such behavior)on the part of a firm means that people will stay away from that firm, and they may stay away from all the others as well. Here is an example of a firm's publication of its code of ethics: http://www.altruistfa.com/codeofethics.htm If your work in finance requires a license, such as a Series 7 or CPA license, you will find that you will be tested on professional ethics. Once you're licensed, you will be expected to abide by those rules. And God help you if, once you get your license, you are caught violating the rules (people get caught because smart customers complain). You could lose your license. Ethical lapses took down a major public accounting firm (Arthur Andersen). If those lapses are even perceived as widespread, that perception can potentially destroy an entire industry. That is why ethics are not merely relevant. On the contrary, they're vital to the existence of the industry. They're not optional.

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Q: What do ethics and ethical behavior have to do with finance?
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Related questions

What has the author John Dobson written?

John Dobson has written: 'Finance ethics' -- subject(s): Business ethics, Finance, Moral and ethical aspects, Moral and ethical aspects of Finance


What is is ethical behavior?

Ethics are considered the moral standards by which people judge behavior. Ethical behavior is behavior that conforms to those accepted standards of social or professional behavior. Ethics often expressed by what is commonly considered the "golden rule": Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.


What are the ethical issues in finance?

Finance managers may not follow a company's Code of Ethics and place the company at risk. Things such as manipulating business numbers isn't ethical.


What do ethics and ethical behavior hace to do with finance?

A lot of time in finance there may be opportunities where you may have ways to take 'shortcuts' in order to make more money or get ahead. Knowing the ethics allows you to decide whether these 'shortcuts' are legitimate or legal so that the decisions you make does not end up hurting your career.


Which business practice would likely encourage ethical behavior?

Implementing a strong code of ethics and formal policies that define expected behavior and consequences for unethical actions would likely encourage ethical behavior in a business. Additionally, providing regular ethics training to employees and modeling ethical behavior from top management can also help foster a culture of ethics within the organization.


What is ethical conduct?

Conduct ethics takes the fundamental issues in ethics to be about conduct or behavior. An alternative view takes the fundamental issues in ethics to be about character (virtues and vices) rather than behavior. .


Document usually created by the profession that provides guidance for the ethical behavior of its members?

Professional ethics


How do you teach ethical behavior?

Lead by example. Teach someone good ethics by practicing them yourself.


What does the code of ethics document of 1958 outlines ethical behavior required within?

Department of Defense


Document usually created by the profession that provides guidance for the ethical behavior of members?

Code of ethics


What are 3 characteristics of Ethical Behavior?

Integrity, Effort, and Respect


What roles should feelings and reason play in ethics?

Reason allows us to understand right and wrong. Emotions often get in the way of ethical behavior, but empathy is necessary for ethical behavior.