Ethical dilemma:
How much should valuable people get away with things?
April 2007
You are the line manager for a team of people in your company in the finance sector. One of your key staff members is excellent at her job and is known for her ability to generate a high amount of income for the company - none of your other staff members come close to her in terms of this.
You are aware that your company's competitors have made attempts to head hunt this staff member, which she has so far rejected, much to your relief as your department is heavily reliant upon her abilities and you are paid bonuses based on your department's profitability.
However, you are certain that this staff member is submitting fraudulent expense claims, sometimes several hundred or even thousands of dollars more than she has actually spent - a tiny fraction of the profits she is generating, but fraudulent nonetheless.
Ethical questions:
- What are the issues?
- Who are the stakeholders?
- What should you do?
- What would you do?
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