I just started out as a junior executive in the purchasing department of my organization. My boss has spent fifteen years in this department. One day while I was in a meeting with my boss and a potential vendor, I see my boss accepting a large yellow envelope and tucking it quickly into his pocket. This concerns me because I suspect the vendor is a member of a local gang. I have also heard that this person has a criminal record and has a history of bribing local businesses to gain accounts. However, due to a lack of evidence, that person has never been charged. I ask my boss about that individual, and he told me not to worry about it. I’m wondering whether I should report this incident to human resources or my organization's legal department or not. What choices did you have prior to hearing your boss's explanation of the envelope? What would you have done and why? Given what the boss later responded about the envelope, how did that explanation impact your thoughts, choices, and actions on the matter? Explain whether the choices you would have exercised were based on internalized or externalized behaviors and values. Which ethical beliefs would support reporting or not reporting your boss? Can ethics be taught? What role does on-the-job training play?

Understanding Business

12th Edition

ISBN:9781259929434

Author:William Nickels

Publisher:William Nickels

Chapter1: Taking Risks And Making Profits Within The Dynamic Business Environment

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1CE

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I just started out as a junior executive in the purchasing department of my organization. My boss has spent fifteen years in this department. One day while I was in a meeting with my boss and a potential vendor, I see my boss accepting a large yellow envelope and tucking it quickly into his pocket. This concerns me because I suspect the vendor is a member of a local gang. I have also heard that this person has a criminal record and has a history of bribing local businesses to gain accounts. However, due to a lack of evidence, that person has never been charged. I ask my boss about that individual, and he told me not to worry about it. I’m wondering whether I should report this incident to human resources or my organization's legal department or not.

What choices did you have prior to hearing your boss's explanation of the envelope? What would you have done and why?
Given what the boss later responded about the envelope, how did that explanation impact your thoughts, choices, and actions on the matter?
Explain whether the choices you would have exercised were based on internalized or externalized behaviors and values.
Which ethical beliefs would support reporting or not reporting your boss?
Can ethics be taught? What role does on-the-job training play?

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