Reference no: EM133243237
Mark works as an account executive with a multinational financial firm based in the US. He has a wealthy lifestyle in a rich neighborhood, and is happily married to Lisa. One of his biggest accounts is that of Kostas Dimitris, a shipping magnate in Greece. Mark worked very hard for several months to arrange a very complex financing to build a new fleet of oil tankers for Kostas. After the deal is finally settled, Kostas asked Mark if he and his wife would attend the christening of the first tanker (that is, the launching ceremony for his first ship). Mark does not hesitate to say yes - it would be an insult to Kostas if he didn't agree to attend! In a few days, Kostas sends the plane tickets, and Mark and his wife Lisa are on their way for a five-day trip.
When they land in Greece, they are welcomed by a limousine, which takes them to a luxurious resort hotel close to the shipyards. Kostas had taken care of everything - he canceled Mark's booking to a different hotel and placed them in this resort, paying for their entire stay out of his own pocket. Although the couple is in a grateful awe, Mark is not comfortable about this whole arrangement being paid by a client. Later in the evening, Kostas pays the couple a visit for a drink, thanks them for being there, and adds that the limousine will pick them up to the shipyard for the ceremony tomorrow afternoon.
In the ceremony, when it's time for the ship to be launched in the sea, Kostas asks Lisa to break the traditional champagne bottle over the bow of the tanker. Lisa happily does so, and after the tanker is afloat, a big reception is held at the administrative building near the shipyard. The next day Kostas comes to the couple's hotel to say goodbye as he should leave on a business trip. Mark and Lisa return back home after spending three more days enjoying the Greek sun and the sea.
Two weeks after the christening, Lisa receives a package from Kostas. Baffled, Mark and Lisa open the package, and in it, they find a gold bracelet with Lisa's initials and the date of the christening, set in diamonds. Mark is pretty upset and confused. To return the gift would be a big insult to Kostas, but accepting it would be a clear violation of company policy.
Questions
1. What are the ethical issues that you identify in this case?
2. Which ethical perspective (relativism, absolutism, or universalism) do you think should be adopted to resolve the issues identified? Why?
3. What would you do this point if you were Mark?