The purpose of this study is twofold. The
first objective is to examine the impact of an individual’s
ethical ideology and level of professional commitment on
the earnings management decision. The second objective
is to observe whether the presence of a personal benefit
affects an individual’s ethical orientation or professional
commitment within the context of an opportunity to
manage earnings. Using a sample of 375 undergraduate
business majors, our results suggest a significant relationship
between an individual’s ethical orientation and
decision-making. Further, participants with higher levels
of professional commitment seem to be less likely to
engage in earnings management behavior and less likely
to behave opportunistically. These results have the potential
to add to our understanding of certain behaviors in
entry-level personnel and should be of interest to managers,
practitioners, academicians, and researchers.