H. Jeckel Manufacturing Company allows employees to purchase manufacturing materials (such as metal and lumber) at cost for personal use. To do so, an employee must complete a materials requisition form, which must then be approved by the employee’s immediate supervisor. Fred Rubble, an assistant cost accountant, charges the employee an amount based on H. Jeckel’s net purchase cost. Fred Rubble is in the process of replacing a deck on his home and has requisitioned lumber for personal use, which has been approved in accordance with company policy. In computing the cost of the lumber, Fred reviewed all the purchase invoices for the past year. He then used the lowest price to compute the amount due the company for the lumber.
Discuss whether Fred behaved in an ethical manner.