(Ethics) Robert Harder, Jr. Was Appointed the Manager of Westbrook Properties

question 191

Essay

(Ethics)
Robert Harder, Jr. was appointed the manager of Westbrook Properties, a recently formed company that manages residential rental properties. Maria Valdez is the accountant. She prepared a chart of accounts based on an analysis of the expenditures of the company. One of the largest expense categories is Travel and Entertainment. Mr. Harder believes that it is important to maintain a presence in the social life of the city. In this, he sharply differs from his father, Robert Harder, Sr. the elder Mr. Harder has set up Westbrook Properties in order to test his son's management skills before allowing him to manage a more lucrative commercial property business. Mr. Harder, Sr. provided the capital for Westbrook, and maintains close contact with the company. He allowed his son, however, to hire his own employees.
Mr. Harder has asked Ms. Valdez to name the Travel and Entertainment account Property Development. He hopes to deflect his father's attention away from the amount he has spent on travel and entertainment until he has proven that his methods work. When Ms. Valdez resisted, he reminded her that he, not his father, hired her. He also reminded her that she had been enthusiastic about his business plans when she was hired.
Required:
1. Who are the stakeholders in this situation?
2. Should Ms. Valdez agree to the change in the Travel and Entertainment account to Property Development? Explain.

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Definitions:

Technical Competence

The specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform specific tasks or roles effectively in a given field.

Interpersonal Sensitivity

The ability to perceive and interpret subtle cues in social interactions, including emotions, intentions, and nonverbal signals of others.

Action Orientation

A characteristic or behavior of individuals who are proactive and take initiative to achieve goals or solve problems.

Systems Level

An analytical perspective focusing on understanding the complex interactions within whole systems, rather than individual parts.