Ethics For Professional Accountants: Let's Go To The Movies

Ethics For Professional Accountantslets Go To the Movies Ethical Le

In teams of 4-6 students, students will come up with a list of “Best Ethics Picture Nominees” by watching, reporting on, and preparing a presentation summarizing several movies that illustrate some type of ethical dilemma. Teams have discretion in the choice of movies (within reason) and are encouraged to be creative. The movie must illustrate some type of ethical dilemma (even if not the main plot). The lessons learned must apply to business, even if the movie itself is not about business.

Required: 1. Each team member will identify and report back to their teams on a movie for potential nomination. Use the attached form to brief your teammates on your movie selection. 2. Each team member should submit their summary form to the instructor for approval to be included in the presentation. The form will summarize the movie plot, characters, ethical dilemma, and resolution for each movie. 3. Teams will meet to select the “best picture” from the list of nominees. You can use whatever criteria you choose to select the best picture. 4. The final deliverable will be a 10-15 minute presentation that summarizes the nominees and highlights the ethical issues brought out in each film. The presentation should culminate in the selection of one movie as “Best Picture.” 5. Every team member must present. You are encouraged to use “short” video clips to highlight the ethical issues. 6. Please be respectful of other students when selecting your scene. Avoid scenes with extreme profanity or situations that would make members of the class uncomfortable.

Deliverable Dates: 11/5 Nomination Summaries Due (one per team member). I will review and provide feedback if needed. 11/26 and 11/28: In-class presentations. Team Members:______________________________________________

Movie Title: _________________________________________________

Year of Release: ___________

Production Co.: ___________________

Plot Summary (in your own words. Do not plagiarize):

Main characters (Actor/Actress):

Ethical Dilemma: Provide a brief summary of the ethical issue depicted in the movie.

Values in conflict: What were the major values in conflict in the ethical dilemma?

Resolution: How did the character/characters resolve the ethical issue?

Lessons Learned: What did you learn or what would you have done differently?

Paper For Above instruction

The film industry serves as a powerful medium for illustrating complex ethical dilemmas that resonate across various contexts, including the business world. This paper explores the educational value of movies depicting ethical conflicts, emphasizing their importance in teaching responsible decision-making and moral reasoning. By analyzing selected films, we can identify key lessons applicable to ethical practices in professional environments.

One of the most compelling aspects of movies as pedagogical tools is their ability to humanize ethical dilemmas. Characters often face morally ambiguous situations that challenge their integrity, loyalty, and personal values. For example, in the film "The Insider" (Michael Mann, 1999), a whistleblower exposes corruption within the tobacco industry. The protagonist's moral courage contrasts with corporate interests, illustrating the conflict between ethics and profit. This scenario exemplifies core ethical principles such as honesty, integrity, and corporate social responsibility. Such narratives help students understand that ethical decision-making often involves weighing competing interests and making difficult choices.

Another significant contribution of movies to ethics education is their capacity to depict the consequences of misconduct. Films like "Wall Street" (Oliver Stone, 1987) portray characters engaging in greed-driven unethical behavior, culminating in personal and professional downfall. These stories serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing that unethical actions can lead to legal penalties, damaged reputations, and loss of trust. They reinforce the importance of adhering to ethical standards and demonstrate that integrity is fundamental to sustainable success in business.

Moreover, movies can serve as a mirror reflecting societal values and cultural norms, prompting viewers to examine their own ethical beliefs. Films such as "Erin Brockovich" (Steven Soderbergh, 2000) depict individuals who challenge systemic injustices, highlighting virtues like perseverance and social responsibility. These narratives inspire viewers to consider the societal impact of their actions and the importance of advocacy and ethical advocacy in professional settings.

However, the pedagogical effectiveness of films depends on critical engagement. Educators must facilitate discussions that dissect the ethical dilemmas presented and explore alternative courses of action. For instance, after viewing "The Constant Gardener" (Fernando Meirelles, 2005), students can debate the ethical implications of pharmaceutical profiteering in developing countries. Guided discussions can help students develop moral reasoning skills, learn to identify ethical principles, and consider practical solutions.

Furthermore, movies often dramatize ethical conflicts with emotional intensity, making abstract principles tangible. This emotional engagement enhances retention and understanding. For example, in "Sophie's Choice" (Alan J. Pakula, 1982), the moral agonies faced by the protagonist evoke empathy and deepen understanding of moral complexity during crises. These emotional connections foster a more profound appreciation of moral responsibility and compassion.

In conclusion, films are invaluable educational tools for illustrating ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and organizations. They foster empathetic understanding, clarify the consequences of ethical and unethical choices, and stimulate critical thinking. To maximize their educational potential, educators should incorporate film analysis into curricula thoughtfully, encouraging reflection, debate, and application of ethical principles in real-world situations. As future business professionals, students who engage critically with ethical themes in movies will be better equipped to navigate complex moral landscapes and uphold integrity in their careers.

References

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