by Tom Wroe

Fire Science

During a fire safety inspection of a wood working facility, Sam, the owner, was anxious about your requiring a fire extinguishing system for this 3,000 sq. ft. facility. This is a new small, family business and you have known the family for a long time. Sam is running on a very small profit margin, and is not yet able to afford a system he knew would be required. Money has always been a limiting factor in whatever he did, so you knew he was not going to be able to afford to do much.

Rather than take the chance you would just overlook this obvious discrepancy, Sam handed you a sealed envelope containing $200.00, indicating that the money was a "gift" for your vacation. The obvious implication was true. You also recognize that even this amount was a hardship for this, otherwise, highly honest man.

Questions:

How would you react to this situation?

What set of values would you apply?

What are the ethical implications?

What is your legal obligation as an arm of the government?

Discuss your thought process.