At the End of an Especially Good Year, a Company

question 264

Short Answer

At the end of an especially good year, a company decides to give bonuses to its sales employees. Two salespersons are included: Tracy shows a better-than-average sales record, whereas Colin was only an average salesperson. Colin has a reputation for being a straight shooter who complies strictly with the company's ethical code. On the other hand, Tracy made some deals that, as coworkers confided to middle managers, were "on the edge" of dishonesty. When the company's ethics panel reviewed one such deal, it was found to have been compliant with the letter of the stated code. Nevertheless, the financial officer recommends that both employees be given the same bonus.
Which of the following, if true, might strengthen the ethical case for giving a larger bonus for Tracy?
Asked to explain his tactics, Tracy said that sales work is an intrinsically competitive field, and coworkers should expect him to act in self-interest.
One of the company's key policies involves tying bonuses strictly to sales records, to ensure fairness to all personnel.
The entire sales staff had recently undergone a thorough refresher course in ethical behavior in sales.
Middle managers felt that most of the complaints were based on jealousy over Tracy's increased success rate.
Providing a larger bonus to Tracy would give coworkers added incentive to increase their own sales records.

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Definitions:

Darwin's Ideas

Refers to Charles Darwin's theories, particularly on natural selection and evolution, explaining the diversity of life on Earth.

World War II

A global conflict that took place from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations and resulting in significant military and civilian casualties.

Dispositions

Consistent preferences, ways of thinking, and behavioral tendencies that manifest across varying situations and over time.

Core Attitudes

Fundamental beliefs or feelings that guide behavior and influence how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.