Tee Time For Tiffany

"Tee time for Tiffany", is a very good example of a real life ethical dilemma that every business student should study. This brief article introduces six characters that play a very important role in the demonstration of a fairly difficult business decision. During the course of the particular situation described by the article, one can easily see that all six of the characters demonstrate different levels of unethical behavior, some more objectionable then others.

I rated Tiffany's co-worker Phong, as the least objectionable (or a six on the scale from one to six) because she barely breached the ethical barrier when she decided to look at the handwritten note that Tiffany placed along with the gloves purchased for Stefano. This type of behavior is hardly objectionable; it simply reflects her level of curiosity at the most harmless degree.

Next on my list, with a rank of five, I decided to place Stefano. Stefano is a medical equipment supplier who was interested in a certain product that Tiffany was trying to sell. Using his leverage as a potential client, Stefano decided to manipulate Tiffany by giving her an ultimatum. He let Tiffany know, that the only way he was going to give her an order for the X-ray machines if Tiffany would organize a golf outing for Stefano's top ten sales people. Although his behavior was not at all unusual in today's business world, it was however an attempt to manipulate another person in order to get what he wanted.

Ms.Kilpatrick, the pro shop manager, comes in forth in the race to the most objectionable person involved. Knowing about the intend of bribery and being a close family friend, clearly realizing Tiffany's unethical behavior, she still arranged for the golf outing, proving that Ms.Kilpatrick was only looking out for her own best interests despite all costs.

Main character, young and ambitious Tiffany is ranked as third most objectionable person. Her desire to get