An investment bank based in the United States wishes to be selected by the government of an economically underdeveloped foreign country to issue government-backed bonds to the American investing public. To assist in its marketing efforts, the investment bank recently hired the daughter of a key government official in that country. This new employee speaks the foreign language fluently and has a thorough understanding of her home country's culture and economy.
a. Was this ethical?
b. In assessing whether this employment decision was ethical, is it relevant to you whether this new employee was the most qualified candidate available?
c. Does it matter to you if the key foreign government official had intervened on behalf of her daughter to request that your firm hire her?