4. Ethical decision making
Case study – Sharon’s choice
Option 2: Refuse Kit’s request, but choose not to report to the bank
Watch the ending at Youtube (ICAC Channel)
Your choice for Sharon cannot pass the ETHICS PLUS Decision Making Model.
Professional / Trade-related / Company code of conduct
- ● Fail, because it is in breach of the codes of conduct of the HKMA and the bank.
Legal requirements
- ● The option does not violate laws.
Uncompromising self values
- ● Depending on whether Sharon treasures integrity, loyalty and responsibilities etc.
Sunshine test
- ● Fail, because Sharon may be suspected of being involved in Kit’s scam.
Analysis
- ● While Sharon rejects Kit’s offer and avoids falling into a corruption trap, she is still in breach of the codes of conduct of the HKMA and the bank for not reporting illegal activities to the management or the ICAC.
- ● Sharon may think that her decision can protect her friend from being caught by the law, but this actually worsens the situation. Kit turns to bribe another bank employee for helping him deceive the bank of a loan. In the end all parties are losers: The bank suffers financial loss; Kit and the bank employee accepting the bribe are prosecuted; and Sharon is suspected of being involved in the scam.