Ethics in workplace

[Crocus]

Please critique the behavior of any or all players in the following scenario.

Boss hires a Salesman on the recommendation of a Client, who is a church friend of the worker. Boss may, just MAY have felt some slight pressure to hire.

Boss begins to charge that Client up to 25% more than what he charges to other customers for similar jobs. Salesman notices and questions Boss about the higher charges. Boss tells Salesman that if he did not extra-charge, then he would not be able to afford his new Salesman.

Salesman says no more about the issue. Boss continues to charge 25% extra. Client continues to buy service.

 

[fred_conty]

Hi,
I did not find enough details to answer the question. It may be all right or it may not be depending on the understanding between them, or the unspoken understanding, or
necessity of one or the other. Too much missing.

 

[Catholic1954]

Client is free to pay (or not pay) whatever the boss charges or take his business elsewhere. It really is of no concern to his employees.

 

[Boulder257]

Sounds to me like a business agreement and that all sides were open. If someone decides to charge a certain price and someone else is willing to pay it, this sounds like the definition of a free market economy. The fact that they were honest about the reason for the increase makes it even more acceptable.

Just my two cents.

 

[Crocus]

Thanks all, for your replies. What started my query: the “Boss” in the story tried to make a point to me, that Christians and non-Christians can equally be observed to act unethically.

I agree that Christians behave badly sometimes but I was having trouble for myself judging what, if any, behavior in the example was wrong. The Boss felt the employee would show more ethical behavior if he had perhaps quit is job in protest, or reported the extra charges to the Client.

Your replies support my thoughts that the example did not illustrate such a point. I sympathize with the employee for the uncomfortable position he was in. As an employee he had responsibility to show loyalty to his employer, as well as respect the good judgment of the Client, as a businessman.