CASE STUDY - THE LOST COUPON

Joe, Ellen and three others were riding in the hotel elevator from the twelfth floor to the casino, and overheard the following conversation:

"Just tell them that you lost the coupon."

"We could, but that's what we told them last time and it was hard to convince them."

"Well, make-up a believable story, like you opened the outside deck door to your room and the wind just blew it out."

"We really want to save that $82.00, and we can't do it unless you get us a coupon to."

At this particular hotel if one stays an additional night as a registered guest, one can request an additional night coupon for half price. The cost of the room is normally $164.00. It appears that the second couple wanted to check in for one night only, but wanted to use the discount coupon for their first night. By having the friend get the additional second night coupon, they could save $82.00 for their first night. It was hotel policy that the coupon could be used for an additional night or on a return visit.

From overhearing the conversation, the couple had made it clear that they were going directly to the front desk to negotiate the small scam and that is where Joe was going also. He realized he would be standing directly behind the person as they lied about their situation. Interestingly, Joe and Ellen are investors in the corporation that owns the hotel.

1. Should Joe say anything? To whom, the couple or the hotel registration clerk?

2. Does it matter that Joe and Ellen are investors in the corporation and that the scheme will steal directly from them, or would your answer be the same regardless of the investment?

3. Is it just a business decision come-on anyway and who cares whether the coupon is earned or not? After all, if the person had stayed themselves, they would get the coupon anyway.

4. Would you have spoken up or just pretended to not hear it and wait for another time to approach the front desk?

5. If there were not money involved would you feel better about ignoring the situation? Is it the money that makes the difference or not?

6. What is your philosophical or ethical justification whichever way you decide? Utilitarianism? Deontology? Virtue Ethics? Other?