Deni Elliott , Ethics Officer
	Jeff Cable , Ethics Educator

Reputation
“It seemed like the most practical decision at the time. I didn’t see what ethics had to do with it. I wasn’t breaking any rules, but in hindsight I can see how it must have looked.”

When Angela finished designing her home office, she decided to splurge and purchase a new 32-inch, high resolution, flat screen computer monitor. Angela knew what she wanted, what it cost and where to buy it – a benefit of being the head procurement officer for her company. By buying online, Angela realized, delivery would probably be a drop-and-run on her doorstep. Having the monitor delivered at work, however, seemed like a better alternative, as the supply company made weekly deliveries to her corporate office.

Delivery of her monitor, bundled with orders for three other departments, created an immediate reaction that Angela had not foreseen. The employees in Shipping and Receiving assumed the monitor had been purchased with corporate money and the rumor that Angela was using her position for personal gain quickly circulated.
 
Only two hours after delivery, Angela was explaining her actions to her supervisor and the ethics office.

Situations arising from delivery of personal goods to the office can be avoided. Some alternatives include:

• Arranging for a pick-up instead of delivery
• Getting authorization from her immediate supervisor and alerting the Receiving Department manager
• Calling the Ethics Office for guidance

Ethics issues go beyond simply following rules. Personal reputations, the perceptions of co-workers, managers and the public are all important in making ethical choices. The Ethics Office at MWD stands ready to help employees make good decisions.  

Ever make a wrong decision for the right reasons? Wrestling with one right now? Give us a call.