You are a project manager for a telecommunications firm. You’re working on a project that entails upgrading technical hardware and equipment. The estimated cost of the hardware and equipment is $1,725,000. You are reviewing products from three different vendors. One of the vendors invites you to lunch. What is the most appropriate response?

A. Thank them, but let them know this could be a conflict of interest since you haven’t made a decision about which vendor you’re going to choose.

B. Thank them, and decline. You know this could be considered personal gain, which could call your integrity into question.

C. Thank them, and accept. You don’t believe there is a conflict of interest or a personal integrity issue.

D. Thank them, and decline. You believe this could be a conflict of interest on the part of the vendor, and you don’t want to encourage that behavior.