What other courses of action might be available to Nathan? Which do you think would be the best action for him to take?
What will be an ideal response?
While there are several possible courses of action Nathan could take, the most important factor is to
consider which of the alternatives would be the most ethically appropriate. First, Nathan could pocket
the $75 without telling the accounting firm. This would be an ethically questionable action given that the
money is not really his to take. At a minimum, Nathan would be leaving his integrity open to question in the
eyes of others. Second, Nathan could contact the person in charge of reimbursements at the firm, explain
what happened, and ask for guidance. The HR contact may give Nathan permission to retain the $75, thus
resolving the ethical issue. However, Nathan should carefully consider the impression he will leave with a
potential future employer. Third, Nathan could send in the reimbursement request to the firm for the total
amount less the $75 refund from the car rental agency. This latter course of action may well be the safest and
most ethical course of action to take and will likely make a positive impression on his potential employer.
It is important that Nathan is completely honest and that he not risk compromising his integrity for a $75
gain in the short term. The value of the accounting profession rests in the integrity of its professionals and
firms are looking for character and integrity in their recruits. Nathan should learn now the importance of
holding himself to a strict set of ethical principles and to a high level of personal integrity.
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