Gift Giving Policy

Belinda Thomas

M4A2 Short Paper

Ethical Scenario

BUS599: Strategic Management

Dr. Bonnie Adams

November 13, 2016

Introduction

According to the ethics code of conduct, a gift is not accepted as it may lead to the conflict of interest thus make an organization vulnerable to unfaithfulness, partiality and deceit activities that are against the code of conduct of ethics and policies of the organization. To handle employees who give gifts to their seniors be it for the purpose of favor or just to impress them, as a manager it is supposed to use a good judgment by reviewing the policies of the organization to the employee and explain clearly the code of conduct they are subjected to and allow them to internalize the policies and follow them actually. Also as the manager make sure the policies of the organization is followed and all the legal requirements are upheld and speak about the vices of the employees giving gifts to their seniors as a way of reminding them what they are expected to and if possible review the code of conduct after a period of time and provide manuscripts of the ethical code of conduct to the employees so that it becomes the point of reference in their daily progress.

The issue of giving gifts in the business world is a complicated one that requires a balance between cultural sensitivities and corporate policy (Belmi, 2015). A gift can be given with two probable mischiefs as the underlying intent. One of the intent might be the social and acceptable need for one to be hospitable and do according to the social norms. An example is during the holidays when it is a season for everyone including the employees and employers give gifts to those they interact with on a day to day basis. The second intent would be a malicious intent. This is where an employee would give a gift so that they can acquire a favor a fellow employee or the employer. In simpler terms, it is a bribe.

As a manager of ABC Company, it would first take discerning the intent of the employee so that one can make a guided decision. This would help me as the manager of ABC Company avoids making a prejudicial judgment on the employee. There are several things that I would look for. First, what is the expectation of the employee after he has given the gift? If he expects a favor in return, then I would follow the company policy and punish the employee as is provided for in the same business policy. Secondly, I would look at timing. If the timing is such that it is close to an interview, then it is probably a bribe ad I would not accept the gift. Thirdly, I would look at the appropriateness of the gift and if it is proportional to my level of the recipient (Ethicalcorp, 2016). If it is too lavish, then I would take it as a bribe and would follow the company policy.