Ethical Dimensions in Responsible Professionalism and Accounting Procedures in Kenya: A Critical Analysis of Theory and Practice

Abstract

This paper presents the concepts of transparency, rights and responsibleness in management accounting through an examination of ethical theories and their application to managerial challenges which typically confront management accountants in Kenya and in other countries. The main research drivers were focused on the transparency, clear reporting standards, accountability and responsible professionalism. The literature review employed various theories such as: Virtue Theory, Utilitarian Theory, and Kantian Theory. Of course, these approaches are considered in relation to the accounting implications.

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper was to investigate the role of ethical dimensions in Kenyan management accounting trends.

Methodology and Research design: The paper employed a case research design. A survey of the selected study population from Central and Nairobi Provinces of Kenya was carried out by the use of questionnaires through focus group discussions. The sample size of this research was estimated at 150 participants.

Findings: The findings suggest that the current management accounting is weak and should therefore employ ethical consideration to reengineer itself.

Conclusion: This study is focused on the ethical considerations in management accounting in Kenya. Taken as a whole, our findings suggest that, there are some impediments associated with the current management accounting and thus ethical consideration could help revamp the whole system.

Keywords: Ethical dimensions, management accounting, Theories and principles, Kantian theory, virtue ethics, Utilitarian Principle, Professionalism