An Informal Ethics Auditing in Authorized Valuation for Business Sustainability in Romania

This study presents the results of an extensive exploratory research on ethics in valuation activity carried out by authorized valuers in Romania. Ethics is the foundation of success and sustainability in business. In turn, business sustainability is the mirror of the social responsibility assumed, the effort to ensure the sustainability of society. The goal of this study is broad and consists of investigating the position of authorized valuers in Romania in relation to the level of ethics achieved in the activity carried out with reference to expressing their professional opinion from the perspective of general concern for ethics. Our quantitative exploratory research consists of conducting a nationwide survey on a valid sample of 558 authorized valuer respondents. The main conclusions clearly highlight that the valuer faces external pressures—the influence from the clients’ side, and, in the face of this challenge, personal reputation and social responsibility are criteria in the ethical decision. The results of this research invite all stakeholders to take a reflective approach regarding the coordinates of the valuer’s personal ethics and the support mechanisms that provide it, in order to ensure the sustainability of his activity, to the benefit of the profession, the business and the entire society.