The Self-Interest ethical model is often associated
with the agency theory of governance in which key
decision-makers with superior information opportunistically
pursue self-interest with guile (Williamson,
1975). Although agency theory often suggests that
incentives should be established to ensure that key
players act ethically, the audit relationship serves to
increase pressure on the auditor to help the client
circumvent accounting rules (Imhoff, 2003). As noted
in previously cited examples at Enron (McLean
and Elkind, 2003), Enron CFO Andy Fastow and his
cohorts manipulated accounting rules, created offbalance
sheet financial instruments that distorted
revenues and pressured Arthur Andersen’s auditors to
validate these financial misrepresentations. Although
the long-term financial results were ultimately
disastrous to Enron, Arthur Andersen, and the
investing public, these accounting distortions were
profitable for the short-term for both Enron and
Arthur Andersen – the apparent justification for violating the ‘‘material departure’’ intent of financial
reporting.