Jim is a consultant; small businesses hire him to advise them on their computer needs. Recently, he was hired by a company interested in upgrading its hardware and software to manage customer relations. Jim has been hired to evaluate proposals. Jim concludes that the best alternative is from Customers-R-Us, and he explains why he recommended Customers-R-Us in his report. But Jim fails to mention that he is a silent partner (co-owner) in Customers-R-Us.

i. Did Jim act unethically? Why or why not?

ii. Should he have disclosed his ties to Customers-R-Us? Why or why not?

iii. Should Jim have declined the consulting job once he learned that Customers-R-Us was going to make a bid? Why or why not?

iv. What guidance can you get from any relevant published professional ethics codes?