Albert AgbemenuManaging Director| Seag Focus Ghana LtdAccra, Ghana
George has been unemployed for two years. Being jobless for such a prolonged period rendered him and his family bankrupt. His wife had threatened divorce a number of times because George could not take care of his small family on three. Three weeks ago, George was fortunate to have been appointed as the Client’s Representative Project Manager on a Turnkey Project.
The project is for the design and construction of a 100-kilometre asphalt road project. The Turnkey Contractor had heard of George’s predicaments and therefore approached him with a corrupt plan to make him and George make some money thereby helping George out of his financial crises.
The Client’s specification required the asphalt layer to be six (6) inches thick. The Turnkey Contractor’s proposal to George is for the road thickness to be reduced by 1/8th of an inch. Considering that 1/8th of an inch out of 6 inches will be very difficult for anyone to see with the naked eye, the Turnkey Contractor knew that for a 100-kilometre length of a road, which could be a lot of money to be shared between him and George.
George now finds himself in a tricky situation and definitely needs to make hard decision. What will you do if you find yourself in George’s situation? Saving Changes...
Walk away from that project. Financial difficulties can always be overcome so long as one is willing to be flexible on everything other than one's principles and ethics.
I agree with my colleagues, and here is what could go wrong if he didn't...
A pavement depth gauge is used to measure the finished thickness of road surface and measures in 1/4 inch increments. Being 1/8 off would be very noticeable using a tool rather than the naked eye. That would be extremely noticeable over 100 km of data points even at 1 per km, all reading consistently thin to a better than 99% confidence level.
That could lead to prosecution for embezzling which would put him in a much worse situation than before, and I would not recommend splitting the money 3 ways with the inspector which would just compound the legal and ethical issues.
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1 reply by Albert Agbemenu
Dec 12, 2023 6:57 AM
Albert Agbemenu
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Hello Keith,
It is very interesting how these things play out. Even the Auditors sometimes get involved, sadly.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Well, yes, it is a dilemma because values of respect (for the client's interests) and responsibility (for his family) seem to clash. More value clashes can be seen in this situation.
Accepting any corrupt plan would be the wrong thing to do, corruption is bad. If it is uncovered, George will lose his job, may be charged legally, and has a damaged reputation. His marriage will be over. Even if it is not uncovered, George will be subject to blackmail and further unethical advances. And George, knowing to have acted unethically, might experience PTSD.
So, George should disclose the corrupt plan to his client and reject the proposal.
Thanks for the nice case, Albert.
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1 reply by Albert Agbemenu
Dec 12, 2023 6:59 AM
Albert Agbemenu
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Thank you Thomas, right on point.
Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Dear Albert
Your question is very interesting
Thanks for sharing
Should George's refusal to participate in this project be based on ethics (principles and values) or the law (possibility of being caught by the construction inspector)?
I fully subscribe to Kiron's recommendation Saving Changes...
Albert AgbemenuManaging Director| Seag Focus Ghana LtdAccra, Ghana
Dec 11, 2023 3:55 PM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Albert -
Walk away from that project. Financial difficulties can always be overcome so long as one is willing to be flexible on everything other than one's principles and ethics.
Kiron
Yes, I agree with you, Kiron. Saving Changes...
Albert AgbemenuManaging Director| Seag Focus Ghana LtdAccra, Ghana
Dec 11, 2023 6:39 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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Albert, I would echo Kiron's advise.
Definitely, so Saving Changes...
Albert AgbemenuManaging Director| Seag Focus Ghana LtdAccra, Ghana
Dec 11, 2023 7:23 PM
Replying to Keith Novak
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I agree with my colleagues, and here is what could go wrong if he didn't...
A pavement depth gauge is used to measure the finished thickness of road surface and measures in 1/4 inch increments. Being 1/8 off would be very noticeable using a tool rather than the naked eye. That would be extremely noticeable over 100 km of data points even at 1 per km, all reading consistently thin to a better than 99% confidence level.
That could lead to prosecution for embezzling which would put him in a much worse situation than before, and I would not recommend splitting the money 3 ways with the inspector which would just compound the legal and ethical issues.
Hello Keith,
It is very interesting how these things play out. Even the Auditors sometimes get involved, sadly. Saving Changes...
Albert AgbemenuManaging Director| Seag Focus Ghana LtdAccra, Ghana
Dec 12, 2023 2:11 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
...
Well, yes, it is a dilemma because values of respect (for the client's interests) and responsibility (for his family) seem to clash. More value clashes can be seen in this situation.
Accepting any corrupt plan would be the wrong thing to do, corruption is bad. If it is uncovered, George will lose his job, may be charged legally, and has a damaged reputation. His marriage will be over. Even if it is not uncovered, George will be subject to blackmail and further unethical advances. And George, knowing to have acted unethically, might experience PTSD.
So, George should disclose the corrupt plan to his client and reject the proposal.
Thanks for the nice case, Albert.
Thank you Thomas, right on point. Saving Changes...
Ming YeungAdjunct Professor & Acting COO/CPO/CRO (contract)| Blockchain Venture Capital Inc.Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hello Albert, thank you for sharing this interesting dilemma. I echo in agreement (with fellow practitioners' deliberations and reflections) to walk away. Well done! Saving Changes...
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