Reference no: EM131724151

The Hartley Paper Company, owned and operated by Bill Hartley, manufactures and sells different types of computer paper. The company has reported profits in the majority of years since the company’s inception in 1972 and is projecting a profit in 2016 of $65,000, down from $96,000 in 2015. Near the end of 2016, the company is in the process of applying for a bank loan. The loan proceeds will be used to replace manufacturing equipment necessary to modernize the manufacturing operation. In preparing the financial statements for the year, the chief accountant, Don Davis, mentioned to Bill Hartley that approximately $40,000 of paper inventory has become obsolete and should be written off as a loss in 2016. Bill is worried that the write-down would lower 2016 income to a level that might cause the bank to refuse the loan. Without the loan, it would be difficult for the company to compete. This could cause decreased future business and employees might have to be laid off. Bill is considering waiting until 2017 to write down the inventory. Don Davis is contemplating his responsibilities in this situation. Discuss this case using the steps for analyzing an ethical dilemma: Find the facts involved in the case Find the ethical issues and stakeholders What values are questioned in this case? What are the alternatives? ( list 3) Evaluate the alternatives in terms of the values. What are the consequences of the alternatives? What is the correct course of action in this case based on your assessment above?