A public ofcial receives from Trapp Inc., a private company, an invitation to have a family vacation at a beach resort owned by the company.

A public official receives from Trapp Inc., a private company, an invitation to have a family vacation at a beach resort owned by the company. The president of the company insists that the invitation would involve no extra costs for the company, as the resort has to be kept open and functioning in any case. The public official decides to accept the invitation. The market price of an equivalent vacation is $3,500. The public official is later appointed as one of the members of the evaluation commission in a bidding process in

which Trapp is participating. The official feels trapped. He thinks that he can act impartially and fairly as a member of the evaluation commission and, therefore, he does not want to reject the appointment. If he does, his colleagues may become suspicious and everybody may become aware of the fact that he had accepted the invitation. He could even lose his job. On the other hand, if he does not inform his supervisor, he could be at the mercy of Trapp Inc., which could blackmail him in exchange for favorable treatment or confidential information. He does not see a way out.

1. Analyze the situation as to the improprieties committed by the various players.

2. How would you resolve this case?