Lincoln Software needed to implement a large-scale program to re-train staff on how to use their new technology system. This was a big job and Lincoln did not have the internal staff to create or deliver the training within the three months deadline. It was clear that they would have to hire an outside firm to do that.

The job of delivering the courseware fell on the shoulders of Elizabeth Guzman, the Human Resources Manager of Training and Education. She knew she had to get on this right away. She had a two-week vacation planned starting the following week, but this would be no problem. She would as Kirk Lugo, a recent hire in her department, to to evaluate training companies while she was gone and make a recommendation when she got back.

Kirk was thrilled with this opportunity. He had been there less than three months and it was the first assignment where he would be given so much leeway to do an evaluation and make a recommendation. This would be really good for his career.

Kirk settled on one of two companies, Delta Training and LSE. Either company could do the job. LSE was more expensive but they already had a lot of the training material prepared; they could kick off the program a lot more quickly. Delta was cheaper. They could do the job on time but they did not have any of this material already prepared. Even though they were less money, they were a riskier choice.

Kirk could easily recommend either one: save money with Delta or take less risk with LSE. Kirk decided that in this case, the right thing to do was to give the contract to LSE. Even though they were more expensive, the project was important enough to use a more secure vendor. However, since he didn't have authority to make the final choice, he couldn't tell the vendors. He had to review his recommendation with Elizabeth when she got back.cc

The LSE rep wanted to seal the deal. The rep then did something completely unexpected. She said to Kirk, "Tell you what. We're willing to toss in a brand new 65", 4K/UHDTV with the contract." Kirk said, "That might be some value to the company. Let me include that in the financial calculation." The rep said, "Listen, I don't think you fully understand. We will deliver the TV to any address you give us. Any address. No questions asked. And there will be no record of it anywhere."

Kirk was being bribed by the company he was going to recommend anyway.

Though LSE was the right company as far as the training program, they might not be a very trustworthy company to work with, even if he rejects the bribe.

Elizabeth is back on Monday. Kirk has to make a recommendation, and making the right recommendation will be important to him.

1. What makes Kirk's choice an ethical dilemma? Why is it important for him to "do the right thing," whatever that may be? Consider concepts of a decisive moment and dirty hands from reading by Badaracco.
2. Using Badaracco's model, evaluate the case both for and against Kirk's choice(s) of what he might do. Is this even a right vs right choice? Why or why not? After considering all sides, what should he choose to do, and why? Also, given whatever choice he makes, why should he reject the other choice? Or is there some kind of solution that addresses multiple issues here?
3. Consider the values discussed in the articles by Joanne Ciulla and by Robert Solomon. In addition, Barry Schwartz talks about moral wisdom, rather than merely following rules. (Please don't address all of these writings. Just pick one or two concepts to explore in some depth.) How would some of these concepts be relevant in his case and how might they guide Kirk's thought process?
4. Consider some of the concepts in the articles about bluffing and truthtelling. Also, consider what DeWine says about communicating. How should Kirk handle the discussion with Elizabeth when he goes over his report?
5. As the case indicated, Kirk was a new hire. Discuss the kind of trust that Elizabeth might have had for Kirk when she gave him the assignment. How might successful completion of this assignment affect the trusting relationship between Kirk and Elizabeth?

The subject is Philosophy.