An Interview on Ethics, Honesty, Work and Culture Part I
Background
I interviewed Ijachi Ochoche Ijachi on ethics in accountancy and have known him for over 15 years, and his honesty, integrity at a very tender age fascinated me. He was my mate in high school. I am glad to let you know that it is possible, to be honest for over a decade and beyond. He currently holds a BSc in Accountancy, MSc Accountancy, a Ph.D. Accounting (in view), MSc Financial Engineering (in view). He is waiting to defend his Ph.D. thesis at Covenant University Ota, Ogun State.
A young brilliant, and energetic fellow, he taught himself some IT compliant skills and has successfully co-launched a shopping platform in Makurdi Benue State. You may also wish to visit his platform at Shopping TipsHub. I know he would succeed because of his strong ethical background and culture of honesty.
Question: What does honesty mean in your profession?
Response: In Accounting, Honesty is everything. Especially as an Auditor, Honesty is the foundation upon which trust is built, and integrity is the foundation upon which honesty is built. Honesty is the ability and will to report the truth without fear or favor.
Question: What does it mean to have a strong work ethic?
Response: Having a strong work ethic entails upholding your employers’ goals and values by working professionally to the best of your ability. It can be made easier when the values and goals of your employers are aligned with yours. An employee with a strong work ethic does not need an external motivation to do the right thing at the right time.
Question: Have you ever done anything dishonest at work?
Response: No. I can’t think of any.
Question: Do you know anyone else who has ever done something dishonest? What happened, and how did people find out?
Response: Not personally. I often mind my own business, but I hear news about colleagues who have been dishonest and fired from their jobs. Most times, such news is in the form of rumors as most organizations wouldn’t officially name persons involved in such acts, but instead issue general warnings to staff.
Question: Do you think it pays to be honest?
Response: Yes, it does. But that should not be the only motivation for honesty. It would be best if you were honest because it’s the right thing to do and not because you’re expecting any reward.
Question: Have you ever regretted being honest?
Response: In the long run, no.
Question: What inspired you to be honest at a very tender age?
Response: My faith, upbringing, and believe that being honest is the right thing to do.
Question: Have you ever missed an opportunity due to your honesty?
Response: Several. In fact, too many. But I don’t have regrets.
Question: Do you keep work ethics, and are you still honest the way you used to be after about two decades?
Response: Yes. It has not been easy. It is more difficult as one gets older, primarily because of the opportunity cost of honesty. There is also more exposure to threats from persons who dislike my honesty because it gets in the way of their selfish interests. Nonetheless, I try my best to maintain strong work ethics and honesty.
Question: As a hybrid accountant, a person with a passion for ICT, what do you think is the place of ethics, honesty in our society?
Response: One of the major driving factors of ICT in the field of Accounting and Finance is the dishonesty of some accountants. The fact that a human accountant or finance expert can lie but a computer program cannot is the reason why robots will replace accountants in our lifetime.
Watch out for other parts of this interview on ethics with people in different fields. Ethics and honesty are what our society needs to thrive. I encourage you to be honest and ethical in all your workplaces, and as you scale through life. Thanks.
