Business Ethics magazine reported the following ethical dilemma submitted by an anonymous reader:
Mary had only a few days to earn $1,000 in sales that would allow her to reach the $1 million sales plateau where she would receive a $10,000 bonus allowing her to finance the dream home she had found. The sales climate was tough, but she had one remaining prospect, inner-city Lincoln School, which could make especially good use of new educational materials. Lincoln had no budget for discretionary purchases, but Mary considered “donating” $1,000 to the school in return for which they would make the purchases that would put her over the top. She knew her donation would help disadvantaged students and herself, but her conscience was troubled. What should she do? Explain.