Ethics roadshows go global

Are ethical standards universal? Is an action always right or wrong? And can CIMA’s Code of Ethics always deal with the complexity of ethical conflicts?

These are just some of the questions that were discussed at the CIMA ethics roadshows that took place in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa from September to November. Members and students learnt about our Code of Ethics using real case studies. They also explored how they could use the code to identify and deal with threats to their professional integrity.

Public interest

Our members are often the guardians of information in their organisation. Their work and decisions can have an impact on many stakeholders. Sometimes their work ends up in the public domain, possibly being used by shareholders, regulators and investors.

As well as having a responsibility to their employers, our members, as chartered professionals, also have a duty to protect the public interest. Unlike an academic qualification, CIMA membership is a career-long commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards. This is a crucial element of what makes our members so highly sought-after by businesses worldwide.

Principles work best

Our Code of Ethics sets out the standards expected of members and students. The backbone of the code is five fundamental principles, rather than a set of rules. This encourages an approach to ethics that goes beyond box-ticking. The code applies to all members and students working around the world. Because it draws on the IFAC Code of Ethics which was developed by the global accountancy profession, we can be confident that it is relevant to our international membership.

At the roadshows, members and students discussed the ethical challenges they are likely to come across. From kickbacks in Asia to the complex regulatory environment of South Africa, the roadshows highlighted the range of potential problems. The options for resolving a conflict can vary, too. What works in one place might be counterproductive in another.

CIMA further supports members and students through the Ethics Helpline. This offers free, confidential guidance for those who feel they might be facing an ethical issue.

Further information

Code of Ethics
Ethics Helpline
Call +44 (0) 20 8849 2303 between 10am-4pm GMT Mon-Fri or email ethics@cimaglobal.com
CPD web page 
Ethics case studies (Insight April-July 2006)

December 2006