Fred Sanguine is a New York City produce broker. Ned Santini is a 19-year-old college student who works for Sanguine from 4:00 A.M. until 7:00 A.M. each weekday before he attends classes at Pace University. Fred has instructed Ned on the proper packing of produce as follows: “Look, put the bad and small cherries at the bottom. Do the same with the strawberries and blueberries. Put the best fruit on top and hide the bad stuff at the bottom. This way I get top dollar on all that I sell.” Ned is uncomfortable about the instructions, but, as he explains to his roommate, “It’s not me doing it. I’m just following orders.

Besides, I need the job.” Should Ned just follow instructions? Is the manner in 17 Richard Sandomir, “U.S. Olympic Chief Resigns in a Furor Over Ethics Issues,” New York Times, February 5, 2003, A1, C17; Bill Briggs, Realtor Waving Red Flag, www.denverpost.com, February 4, 2003.

60 Part 1 The Legal and Social Environment of Business which the fruit is packed unethical? Would you do it? Why or why not? Is anyone really harmed by the practice?

Appendix