Ethical Conduct In The Business World: “A Trust To Be Kep“

23 Pages 5819 Words

A sales representative of a dealer in computers has a chance to close a multi-million dollar deal to sell to a customer over a two-year period. The machines for the first delivery are in the dealer's warehouse, but the remainder would have to be ordered from the manufacturer. The sales representative knows the manufacturer is having difficulty meeting the heavy demand for the model in question, making it unlikely that future deliveries will be made on time. He knows that any delay in providing the new computers would be costly to the customer. However, the dealer's printed order form states that computer deliveries are subject to availability from the manufacturer. Should the sales representative close the deal without advising the customer of the problem?

The editor of a large newspaper has recently promoted a new employee to head a special team of investigators to research an important story. He was selected for the job because of his superior knowledge about some unique aspects of the story, but the other team members under his direction have been expressing resentment about his promotion and are sabotaging the work of the team. The editor believes that it is unfair to deprive the new employee of this assignment, but quick completion of the story is vital to the success of the project. The other team members are irreplaceable. Should he remove the employee as head of the investigative team?

The chief executive officer of a manufacturing firm is approached about merging with a larger company. The terms offered by the buyer are very advantageous to the CEO. He would be kept on at higher pay by the acquiring company. The shareholders of the firm would also benefit, since their stock would be exchanged at substantially above the current market price. The CEO learns, however, that plans call for the closing of his company plant, which is the major employer in a small town. The firm has always taken its social responsibility seriousl...