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:

Exclusivity

The state or condition of being exclusive, typically meaning that something is limited to specific people or groups and not available to others.

Stationary Bicycle

An exercise machine that simulates the actions of cycling without moving from the spot, used for fitness and training.

Social Facilitation

Describes how the presence of others influences an individual's performance, typically improving on well-practiced tasks.

Slacker

A person who avoids work or effort.