Steve Beatty, the Head Salesperson of a Computer Company, Contracts

question 165

Short Answer

Steve Beatty, the head salesperson of a computer company, contracts with a supplier for technical equipment. Just before the winter holiday, a greeting card comes to his home address from the president of the supplier. In it, he finds a Best Buy gift card worth $500, with a note that says, "Go buy some toys for the kids." His children are excited, because they had been looking forward to getting some newly released video game equipment.
Beatty looks at his firm's formal code of ethics and finds that employees are cautioned not to accept gifts from suppliers for their own personal use. It does not specifically say that gifts for family members are included. He decides to keep the card.
Which of the following, if true, strengthens Beatty's ethical position?
The gift card has no expiration date, so he can wait to use it later, when he has moved to another position in his company where no conflict of interest exists.
The greeting and the gift card were received at his home residence, not at his place of work.
The salesman has just spent $500 of his own money on video game equipment for his children at Best Buy, so he has no immediate reason to use the gift card.
The president of the supplier is Beatty's father-in-law, so the gift is a personal one for his grandchildren.
On checking, Beatty learns that the supplier sent gift cards of lower value to other salespersons in his company.

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Definitions:

Taxing Authorities

These are government agencies responsible for imposing and collecting taxes from individuals and businesses.

Regulatory Agencies

Government bodies responsible for enforcing specific laws and regulations to protect public interests.

Labour Unions

Organizations representing workers' interests, focusing on negotiating wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

Management

The process of directing and controlling a group of people or entities to accomplish a goal.