4. Ethical decision making
Case study – Sharon’s choice
Option 4: Agree to help Kit, but avoid accepting his offer of recommendation
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 even if Sharon does not accept the advantage, it will still amount to conspiracy to defraud the bank.
Legal requirements
- ● Fail, because even if Sharon does not accept the advantage, it will still amount to conspiracy to defraud the bank.
Uncompromising self values
- ● Fail, because even if Sharon does not accept the advantage, it will still amount to conspiracy to defraud the bank.
Sunshine test
- ● Fail, because even if Sharon does not accept the advantage, it will still amount to conspiracy to defraud the bank.
Analysis
- ● Even though Sharon rejects Kit’s favour (a recommendation for a place in the study tour) and avoids committing a corruption offence, she still conspires with Kit to defraud the bank of a loan. What Sharon damages is not only the trust of her employer, but also the interest of the bank and the reputation of the industry.
- ● There may be reasons for Sharon to accept Kit’s offer. She may find it difficult to ignore the pleadings of her friend. She may also think that the loan can help Kit overcome the financial problems. Nevertheless, Sharon’s act is contrary to the laws, regulations and her self values such as fairness and honesty. It is also difficult for her to explain her decision to others without misgivings. In fact, both of them are prosecuted and become losers.