A CASE OF TOO MUCH HELP What alternatives are available to Nancy? Discuss the ad

Question

A CASE OF TOO MUCH HELP

What alternatives are available to Nancy?

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.?

Nancy O’Leary, senior supply manager at the Northfield Unified School District supply department, sat reflecting on a purchase requisition (P.R.) she had just received. The P.R. called for 1,000 model 2001 classroom armchairs, manufactured by the Twinsburg Chair Company. The P.R. was requested by Betsy Burns, instructor, and authorized by Rudolf Rupp, principal. Sufficient funds and the budget class were cited. A copy of a sales agreement for the chairs was attached. The price was $120 per chair, F.O.B. Northfield. Nancy reviewed three other chair suppliers’ catalogues and learned that nearly identical chairs were available F.O.B. Northfield at prices ranging from $40 to $43. Nancy called Betsy Burns and asked whose idea it was to specify the Twinsburg chairs, mentioning that this chair was nearly three times as expensive as three comparable chairs. Betsy responded in her Georgia drawl, “Why, Nancy, darlin’, the superintendent’s cabinet decided that at last week’s meeting. They said that they wanted the best there was for our young people.” Nancy thanked Betsy for the information. Based on past experiences with the superintendent’s cabinet, she knew that it would be futile to get authorization to buy the less expensive chairs. In a resigned manner, she called the Twinsburg rep and requested him to visit her to discuss the terms of the purchase. Something did not seem right—but Nancy seemed powerless to do anything about it.

Explanation / Answer

The alternatives are available to Nancy are following

1) Do as directed - The advantage is this approach is that Nancy is saved from the hard work and hassles of seeking authorization, presenting her argument and giving explanations. The disadvantage is that she will be unintentionally participating in an unethical activity.

2) Irrespective of her apprehensions, approach the superintendent's cabinet to see authorization to buy the less expensive chairs and present her arguments in favor of her authorization request. - This is the best approach to take. The advantage is that Nancy is being fair and true to her job and is taking the ethical route to accomplish her objective. The disadvantage is that she will have to go through the hassles of presenting her arguments to procure authorization, and the likelihood of getting the authorization is very low.

3) If she did not get the authorization to buy the less expensive chair, then report the matter to Ethics board citing a possible case of superintendent's cabinet indulging in earning commission from the supplier in this purchase. The advantage of this alternative is that she is taking the correct and ethical route and saving her organization and herself from indulging in murky dealings. The disadvantage is that she will have to fight the powerful and mighty and will have to provide evidence and supporting documents to prove her point. Usually investigation of potential unethical practice in such a cases results in favor of the powerful authorities. Nancy might have to face retaliation for her actions.

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