You are an American who works for a large European multinational computer manufacturer. You're currently working to sell a $3million system to a goverment agency in Nigeria. The Nigerian official who heads up the team that will decide who gets this contract has asked you for a payment of $20,000. he said this payment won't guarantee you get the order but without it he couldn't be very encouraging. Your company's policy is very flexible on the issue of "gifts" to facilitate sales. Your boss says that it's OK to pay the $20,000, but only if you can be relatively assured of the order.
You're not sure what you should o. The Nigerian official has told u specifically that any payment to him is not to be mentioned to anyone else on the Nigerian team. U know for certain that 3 other companies r also negotiating to get this contract, u've heard through the grapevine, but it's unconfirmed, that 2 of those companies have turned down the payment request.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO ???
2006-09-01 20:30:47 · 10 answers · asked by ^cute_angel^ 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Send me the $20,000 and I can help. I often get email from all sorts of powerful Nigerians.
2006-09-01 20:40:05 · answer #1 · answered by allgrainmonster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What class is this for? If it is for ethics, then you have to discuss WHY not giving the gift would be the ethical choice. If it is for marketing class, then you actually need to advocate more for your company's position. Say that a small gift between friends is traditional in your culture as you think it is in theirs and of course once there is something to celebrate, largess is shared, say to the tune of a $5,000 gift for their current hospitality and a $15,000 gift when it is time to celebrate, provided that the knowledge of the gifts stays an inside matter between new found friends. You are weighing a $3m revenue -v- a $20k cost and in EUROPE (where your company is) they do this a lot (those US laws apply to US companies and if the company is large enough, like on a Microsoft or Disney level, I assure you that a few gifts to the political parties eliminates any investigations by the Justice Department).
On a side note, ethics lessons from a puppy mill is disconcerting.
2006-09-01 22:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by seandashark 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are US laws that prohibit giving gifts in an effort to facilitate a foreign contract. Your company should know these laws. You need to consult your in-house legal counsel before you put your career and freedom at risk.
The decision is quite simple; decline the offer graciously explaining that US law prohibits such gifts. If you lose the contract, you may lose your job, but you will not go to jail.
Always err on the side of caution by avoiding even the appearance of impropriety.
Good luck!
Will D
Enterprise AL
http://www.notagz.com
2006-09-01 20:45:54 · answer #3 · answered by Will D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear bribe is bribe in all the shapes whether it may be in cash or in the sape of a gift. if u or ur organization has quality services or good and u have the right skills to convince your clients to take orders then there is not need such things. Give your quotiation on reasonable rate so that u can qualify other firms. it will be the last stage if there is no chance to compete legally.
2006-09-01 20:42:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn down the payment request-it seems like a test you must pass to get the contract...
2006-09-02 01:15:49 · answer #5 · answered by catzrme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He did not assure you that you'll get the order if you pay him the 20 000 dollars so he obviously wants to get some money off you
2006-09-01 21:16:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inform this to the Nigerian authorities that thier personnel is corrupted.
U may lose ur job but its better not lose ur intergrity .
2006-09-01 20:37:26 · answer #7 · answered by friend 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honesty is always the best policy, so I'd turn him in to his fellow workers after I talked to my boss.
2006-09-01 20:40:55 · answer #8 · answered by bprice215 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
turn down the payment request
2006-09-01 20:36:50 · answer #9 · answered by halfbright 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i d do the same thing as u d have done
2006-09-01 20:49:38 · answer #10 · answered by avin_au_vz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋