...D. Jordan Lowe; Philip M. J. Reckers; Ashley K. Sauciuc SUMMARY Individuals often engage in a rationalization process to self-justify questionable conduct. However, as “gatekeepers” to the market, it is vitally important for professional auditors to avoid such practices. Recognizing that some...

..., Cressey (1953) identified three conditions that must be present for fraud to occur: opportunity, motivation, and rationalization. Opportunity is the perception that the fraud may be perpetrated undetected. Motivation reflects the pressure or need to benefit from fraud...