Susie, a Newly Graduated BBA in Accounting, Has Started a New

question 70

Essay

Susie, a newly graduated BBA in accounting, has started a new job with the state budgeting office. Susie has responsibility over expense reimbursements. The state has a travel policy stating that a state employee may be reimbursed up to $90 per night for a hotel room and up to $40 per day for meals, as long as the employee turns in food receipts. The first expense account Susie works on the employee who has a hotel receipt for $130 a night but no food expenses. Susie processes the reimbursement for $90. The employee becomes irate as his reading of the travel policy is that he can be reimbursed for $130 a night for hotel and food with a receipt. The employee claims this has never been a problem in the past and has always been reimbursed $130 a night whether for hotel only or both hotel and food.
What should Susie do and why? Use ethical reasoning to support your answer.

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Definitions:

Utility Function

A mathematical representation of how different combinations of goods or levels of consumption affect an individual's level of satisfaction or happiness.

Consumption of Nuts

The act of eating nuts, which are high in protein and healthy fats, as part of a diet.

Consumption of Berries

The act of using or eating berries, which can be analyzed in economics to study preferences or nutritional impacts.

Price of Nuts

The cost or value attached to purchasing nuts, which can vary based on type, quality, and market conditions.