Situation

Don Sutton applied for a payroll clerk job with Search Services, a market research firm. To improve his chances in getting the job, he exaggerated his work experience on his rsum. Based on this rsum, Don was hired. After one year, he received above-average ratings during his annual performance review. Shortly thereafter, his boss met Dons former supervisor and learned the truth.

Instructions

Use the three-step checklist to help determine whether or not Dons action demonstrated ethical behavior. (Suggested answers are provided here.)

1. Is the action illegal? No. Overstating qualifications is not illegal, but the employer could terminate your employment.

2. Does the action violate company or professional standards? No. Don was neither an employee of the company nor a member of any profession.

3. Who is affected, and how, by the action? Don: He obtained employment, but now he could be terminated. If retained, he could have difficulty being promoted. Other applicants: More highly qualified applicants lost an opportunity for employment. Search Services: Managers may lose trust in employees.

Based on the above analysis, Dons actions were unethical.

Situation 1

Eva Torres is a receptionist for Media Technologies. After the company installed voice mail, Evas workload became lighter, so her supervisor assigned additional responsibilities, including some accounting tasks. Even with these assignments, Eva is not always busy. To fill the time, she plays computer games.

Is the action illegal?

Does the action violate company or professional standards?

Who is affected, and how, by the action?

Situation 2

Kate Silverman owns a computer consulting business. Each year she must report the amount of revenue and expenses involved in operating the firm. She must pay federal income tax on the amount by which revenues exceed expenses.

Instructions

Use the three-step checklist to determine whether or not the following situations demonstrate ethical behavior.

Ms. Silverman often makes personal long-distance phone calls from her office. She charges these calls to the business account.

- Is the action illegal?

- Does the action violate company or professional standards?

- Who is affected, and how, by the action?