Hermes Is an Immigrant from a Country in Which It

question 36

Multiple Choice

Hermes is an immigrant from a country in which it is a normal business practice to give a gratuity to a government employee responsible for recording documents.When he goes to the county recorder to record a tract map for his employer,he offers a gratuity to the agent who is handling the transaction.The agent declines the gift and tells Hermes that what he has done is unethical and he has just committed a crime.Hermes is confused since he wasn't asking the agent to do anything special for him-he was just recording the tract map.Which of the following statements is the best advice you could give Hermes in light of this situation.

• A) "Hermes,you have fallen victim to social factors that affect ethical behavior.In your country,it was the cultural norm to offer a gratuity to a recording agent;in this country,that is not the case."
• B) "Hermes,you have fallen victim to social factors that affect ethical behavior.Frequently the values and attitudes of 'significant others,' affect how one acts."
• C) "Hermes,you have fallen victim to social factors that affect ethical behavior.The actions and decisions of co-workers often affect ethical behavior.The next time you have a question about what you should do,ask me."
• D) "Hermes,the moral values of your spouse,friends,and relatives have most likely negatively impacted your perception of what is ethical and unethical behavior in the workplace,the next time you are in doubt about what to do,ask me."

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Definitions:

Opportunity

A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something or achieve a particular goal.

Scarcity

Refers to the fundamental economic problem of having seemingly unlimited human wants in a world of limited resources.

Marginal Revenue

The additional income earned from selling one more unit of a good or service.

Additional Unit

An extra item or piece beyond the current production or stock, often considered in decision-making regarding costs and prices.