Western Governors University (WGU) BUS3000 C717 Business Ethics Pre-assessment Practice Exam

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct primarily through its requirement for a code of ethics, particularly for senior financial officers such as the chief executive officer and chief financial officer. This requirement reflects the act's commitment to promoting ethical behavior and transparency in financial reporting, recognizing that strong ethical standards are essential for restoring public confidence in the integrity of the financial markets after accounting scandals.

By mandating a code of ethics, the law encourages senior executives to uphold high ethical standards and to prioritize honest financial reporting and corporate governance practices. This serves not only to deter misconduct but also to create a culture of accountability within organizations. This focus on ethical leadership is crucial in maintaining the trust of investors and the public, thus reinforcing the overall goals of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to enhance the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures.

The other options, while related to aspects of corporate behavior and governance, do not directly align with the primary emphasis on ethical conduct within the Sarbanes-Oxley framework. Market research requirements, increased taxes, and penalties are important topics within corporate regulation but do not specifically highlight the ethical standards required by the act.