A question on business lunch etiquette?

Question

Our CFO is leaving today. He's not at all liked around the office by anyone, however the department notified us this morning that they would be having a going away lunch for him today. It was communicated verbally that we were expected to attend.

We were informed several hours later that we are also expected to "pitch in" $3-$5 toward the cost of lunch.

We had no notice of this lunch, I had alternate lunch plans which I've broken since my attendance is expected, but is it ethical to ask me to pay for a lunch for this man I didn't respect either personally or professionally AFTER demanding that we show up?

Should I pay for the lunch or politely excuse myself from that, since I had no notice?

Answer 1

Since you already canceled your plans and you have to eat, I don't see why you can't go and pitch in the $3-$5. I am sure lunch would cost at least that anywhere else. If you are being demanded to attend it is for a reason. It would be nice to get an explanation, but at this point, you need not worry about pleasing the CFO, but the people you will continue working with. When someone is put in a situation like yours, you can really shine by remaining professional and just going. Or you can join in with the others and make it an emotional issue, by complaining and gossiping. So, put a smile on your face and just go. If you are really tight on your finances just contribute the $3 and move on. Good luck!

Answer 2

I've been in that situation personally. Once going away party, once GM was given 15 minutes to pack his stuff and leave.

Observation:
1)CFO, is not liked by anyone in your office. Your department wants to have a going away party for lunch
2)You already cancelled your lunch plans.

Opportunity:
Last time to meet him, and celebrate your persistence, and patience with the job.

Not going to the party is almost like, a small kid avoiding to fall while it is learning to walk. All it does it smile, laugh it off, and it is focussed on its growth and development towards becoming a better individual.

Suggestion: You are better to hold this grudge, and resentment. Pitch in the money, go there and have fun. But deep inside have the faith, love and appreciation for yourself. YOU deserve the party as you've endured an obstacle(Personal test of your patience, work ethics). CELEBRATE IT. Have fun. Best of luck. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you must go, go. But, be careful how much you make a stink about the fact you had to pay for your lunch. If your attendance was mandatory, be careful about jeopardizing your future there.

Though this may be difficult, grin and bear through it. Once this person is gone, he's gone. You still have to deal with everything else, like you did before he left. This, of course, is directly proportionate to how much you:

--like this job: be quiet and do what they ask,
--need this job: be quiet and do what they ask.
--want to be doing this job for a while: be quiet and do what they ask,

or
--can't wait to get away from this job: hot damm! time to raise some hell around here...

My typical snide remarks (said aloud, not whispered), could be something like:

I had to break my lunch date at the (insert known fav restaurant here) just to say goodbye to someone I don't even like???...and they made me PAY!!!

Since he's the CFO leaving,,,ask for the $5 they made you pay back from him, if they make you shake his hand goodbye.

That being said, you can tailor you actions and responses accordingly.

Have some fun,,,

or just do as your told and be weally, weally qwiet

Answer 4

1st think about the possibility that would you ever come across him or depend on him for any favor? And also ask arround if everyone is going or not? if most people are not showing up then you shouldnt either, and the pitching in, i say screw it, this will definately show his popularity among co-workers. lol leave him hanging, but prepare yourself of feeling sorry for the guy, I mean, u dont like him so dont feel sorry for him when the lunch money adds up to be $7.50. DONT PAY! like his gona pay for you. hahah CFOs are cheap.

Answer 5

erm just go there and pay for it , after then tell it to the accountant so that they could consider it as a kind of cost in business , $3-$5 is not really a big deal , if they dont accept it, then the fame , honor and value of the company you are working on just costs $3-$5 , tell them with such that money you get the value of it , much cheaper then joing a company analyse course .

Answer 6

It's standard. My husband's company does the same thing, and he works for a HUGE company--- they spring it at the last minute, and expect people to buy their own lunch. It's a pain, but he does it anyway. Not for the person leaving, but to be a "team player". He hates it, but it's all part of the corporate atmosphere.. My vote: go ahead and go since you already canceled your other plans. It'll make you look good.

Answer 7

That's what I would do, it would be an easy way to get out of there.
I just cannot believe the company expects you to pay for a lunch for this guy, if they want to say goodbye and send him off, let them do it.
I would rather eat in a bathroom stall than to celebrate the send off someone I didn't respect

Answer 8

excuse yourself. You are just a employee not senior staff management. Besides a REAL CFO, would never expect employees to pay for a retirement or going away lunch to be paid for by nominal employees.

Answer 9

I would pay for the lunch and say you have made other plans. I would think they'd have a going away card or something for this person, so sign that with your "best wishes" and go to your other lunch!

Answer 10

You don't order the most expensive thing on the menu, and you don't drink any alcohol. Other than that, you would just treat them with the same dignity and respect that you would like to be treated with. Watch how he/she behaves. Someday you might be out to lunch with a colleague who is in a lower position than you are. Think about how you would like to be treated.