You are a project manager working on contract with a company in a foreign country. At the project kickoff meeting, you are given an expensive-looking gift. The person who presented this to you said that it is customary in their country to give their business partners gifts.

What is the most appropriate response?

A. Thank them, and decline. Explain that this is considered personal gain, which is unacceptable in your country.

B. Thank them, and accept. You don’t believe there is a conflict of interest or an integrity issue at stake.

C. Thank them, and decline. Explain that this is considered a conflict of interest, which is unacceptable in your country.

D. Thank them, and accept since you know that it would be considered offensive to decline the gift in their culture. Immediately report the acceptance of the gift to the appropriate parties at your company so that your actions are not called into question later.