Q1 Answer
I strongly believe that the cell phone incident is a very big deal for the company. Although Chen’s team did all they could to secure a very the bid for the project, this action is questionable. The company will benefit greatly from this new bid won by Chen. However, the act is unethical and does not have any support from the code of ethics for the company irrespective of the lack of such policy. Entering into a personal relationship to win a bid for a project is detrimental to the company’s reputation and public image. The behavior goes against the principles of the company and thus it remains unethical. The company has a good reputation and thus should use better strategy to win bids rather than offering a gift like a cell phone. The benefit to the company should not undermine professional practice. Although such practice is common with other competitor companies, it may not work in the international market since it is an unfair practice.
Q2 Answer
Roc Yang is experiencing dilemma because the act is both beneficial to the company and it ruins the company’s reputation and good principles. The dilemma came up when he discovered that Chen and his team gave out a cell phone gift to a manager of another client company to win and attractive bid for the company. Although he believes that Chen did not use the best strategy to win the bid for the client’s project, he receives missed different opinions from the other managers of the company. Many of them condemn the behavior arguing that such a move is against the company’s principles. However, another group of managers feels that Chen and his team had to do that to win the project for the company which will bring a lot of money. Such mixed reactions present a dilemma to Yang left unaware of what is right and what is wrong about the deal.
Q3 Answer
In handling the cell phone incident as Roc Yang, I would consider the principles of the company and ethical conduct in giving my verdict. I would draw a clear line between professionalism and local business culture. I will strive to make Chen understand the need to comply with the principles of the company and their importance in the company’s growth and development. It is important for Chen and his team to know that such behavior is unacceptable and is unethical in the business practices. Winning the bid for the company is a great deal and success for the team. However, the method of winning the bid amounts to both professional and ethical misconduct.
Chen and his team need to understand that it is important to give priority to quality and professionalism than caring about local business culture. The reason of the argument is that the company will once expand its business to other world nations where such misbehavior is not welcomed. Therefore, I would warn Chen and his team hoping that they would never repeat the mistake in the future. Repeat of the mistake or failure to adhere to company’s principles would warrant him and his team a punishment.
The decision may lower the motivation of Chen’s team something that may affect the future deal bidding for the company. To a greater extent, the decision may make the company lose very attractive bids in the local market. All this would lead to reduced profits for the company. On the other hand, the move can assist the company to enhance their reputation and public image. However, the decision remains unaffected by the risks and consequences of the decision.
