Reference no: EM131020335
Case: When Equality Compromises Efficiency
Ralph was a sales representative of a small but fast-growing mobile and social advertising platform. Working directly with the co-founder, Mike, Ralph was responsible for door-to-door sales, pitching the company's platform that helped clients gain a virtual following of customers.
The business owners in the area often spoke English as a second language, making clear communication between the two parties a key concern for Ralph.
On one sales call, Ralph approached a small hair salon and secured a contract along with a $100 signup fee. However, the situation soon turned sour, as the hairdresser was furious after learning that she would have to operate the online platform herself, as opposed to the full service deal she thought she had signed.
Mike, Ralph's boss, now found himself stuck in tough situation. Ralph claimed that he was blatantly clear what the contract was offering, though mentioned communication was strained due to the language barrier. Under the company's philosophy of putting the customer first, Mike refunded the $100 signup fee and voided the contract.
This was not the first time Mike had to refund a contract under these conditions, causing Mike to revisit both the contract and Ralph's sales pitch to ensure that the language was a clear as possible. After this incident, it was clear that adjustments have not made an impact, and the company continued to lose money on negated contracts and time wasted not pursuing interested customers. Mike began to consider redrawing their target areas away from those where English is not the predominantly spoken language, but is concerned that would be an injustice to those potential customers.
1. Should Mike make the decision to work only with English-speaking customers?
2. Is that an ethical solution?
3. Are there any alternatives?
First annual retirement payment
: Mel plans to save 10,200 dollars per year in his retirement account for 6 years. His first savings contribution to his account is expected in 1 year. Mel expects to earn 7.79 percent per year in his account. He plans to retire in 6 years. In retireme..
|
What actions should ben take when he catches a mistake
: What actions should Ben take when he catches a mistake? Is he obligated to report every error, particularly since he works for a publicly traded company
|
What factors would weigh into your decision
: How would you handle the dilemma between hitting the quota and submitting quality work you stand behind? What factors would weigh into your decision
|
House Mountain Breweries planning an IPO
: House Mountain Breweries (HMB) is planning an IPO. Its underwriters have said that the stock will sell at $25 per share. The direct costs (legal, printing, etc.) will be $750,00. The underwriters will charge a 7 percent spread. How many shares must H..
|
Is that an ethical solution
: Ralph was a sales representative of a small but fast-growing mobile and social advertising platform. Should Mike make the decision to work only with English-speaking customers? Is that an ethical solution
|
Make monthly car payments
: To purchase a new car, you borrow $30,000 for 8 years at an interest rate of 12% APR compounded monthly, and you make monthly car payments. How much interest do you pay on the 9th payment? (Hint: First step start with computing the balance of the loa..
|
Should lindsey consider the threat of a lawsuit
: Lindsey worked as a top manager at a struggling technology company in Silicon Valley. Should Lindsey consider the threat of a lawsuit in her decision making
|
Received immediately after he retires
: Mel plans to save 11,000 dollars per year in his retirement account for 3 years. His first savings contribution to his account is expected in 1 year. Mel expects to earn 8.07 percent per year in his account. He plans to retire in 3 years. In retireme..
|
Money does fei expect to have in his account when he retires
: Fei has 11,900 dollars in his retirement account. In addition, he plans to save 9,400 dollars per year in his account for 6 years. His first contribution to his account is expected immediately and his last contribution is expected in 5 years. Fei exp..
|