The Ethical Dilemma of Arthur Andersen

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses that the Enron case was a no-win situation for Arthur Andersen. The paper points out that Arthur Andersen tried to distance themselves from the case in hope that Enron did not get caught, but Enron did get caught. The author feels that Arthur Andersen, despite client loyalty, would have managed the case better if they had severed relationships with Enron much sooner.

From the Paper:

"Arthur Andersen was in a tough client relations position. However, there are several points along the way where they could have perhaps at least saved their reputation. One point is when they continued to shred documents after they had been ordered by the courts to stop this activity. Had they at least obeyed that court order, then they may have been able to claim that they were not so deeply embroiled in the controversy and could have perhaps distanced themselves from it. This was the final straw as for as the public and the courts were concerned. Their actions in destroying the court order stood as clear evidence that they were both aware of and in support of the activities at Enron. This act enraged the public the most."

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