Final answer:
The ultimate obligation of CPA members of the AICPA in resolving conflicts of interests is to prioritize the interests of the public, thereby upholding corporate responsibility and public trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ultimate obligation of CPA members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in resolving conflicts of interests is to prioritize the interests of the public. This is in alignment with their core ethical principles, which set the public interest above the needs of clients, personal financial interests, or even solely industry standards. The AICPA code of ethics serves as a guideline for how CPAs should conduct themselves to maintain public trust and integrity within the profession.
Professional codes of ethics, such as those from the AICPA, typically require members to uphold the welfare of the public, ensuring that their actions and decisions do not cause harm or jeopardize the common good. This is reflective of the larger societal values that prioritize corporate responsibility and the balance between individual liberties and the collective interests of society.