We often encounter issues in our personal lives that make us stop and wonder if we are doing the right thing in a certain situation. Similar issues can occur on the job as well. They can sneak up on us before we realize we're being challenged with an ethical decision.
Here are two facts that every Office Supply Buyer knows:
- Office supply usage spikes noticeably every September. Why? Did you notice that yellow school bus rambling down the street?
- Battery consumption in offices increases dramatically in December. Why? Does the phrase "batteries not included" in toy directions mean anything to you?
While these may seem obviously inappropriate, how about these:
- Should Buyers or someone else involved in the decision making process share pricing with a vendor if they know it will result in a lower overall cost for the company?
- Would you favor a vendor in a bidding situation if he or she mentioned the company routinely offers customers tickets to major sporting events?
These are not hypothetical, they happen every day. Depending on several factors including the value, to whom the perks are being offered and at what stage of a business relationship, conventional practices in a particular industry, and even whether other people know about it, these practices can be anything from normal business to questionable behavior to illegal bribery.
What do you think would be crossing the line? Has anyone, either a vendor or salesperson put you in a difficult ethical position?
Comment here and as always, send your Purchasing questions to PurchaseRealm@ComprehensiveAdvice.com and look for the answers in future posts.
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