BSB111 Business Law and Ethics

1. The Pot Smoking CEO

You are the friend of a world-renowned technology inventor and CEO of the transport firm Edison Ltd. This individual has transformed several industries and founded companies with tens of thousands of employees. Naturally, her public profile has exploded over the past ten years. You also know this individual is an occasional recreational user of marijuana and personally believes it should be legalised.  

Your friend calls you to let you know she will appear on a world-famous podcast. During the call she mentions that the podcast host is an advocate for legalising marijuana world-wide, and she will likely be asked (like all past guests) for their opinion on marijuana and offered a “joint” to share. The host is renowned for not letting guests get away with a “no comment” answer – so that is not an option. Smoking marijuana is legal in the US state where the podcast will take place.

Edison Ltd’s Corporate Code of Conduct prohibits working while intoxicated and prohibits public statements on controversial issues with company approval. Thus, smoking marijuana and/or offering an opinion would appear to contravene the code because her profile means that she will be associated with (or even representing) the company when on the podcast.  

During the conversation your friend asks: “What should I do? You know I really believe that marijuana should be legalised – should I lie? Or say what I believe and not take a drag?” 

2. The Conflicted Data Analyst

You work for a grocery company Cottonworths in the digital marketing division. As part of your role, you collect statistical and (where possible) identifying information on customers and their purchasing patterns. This is very easy given the success of the company’s “Frequent Purchaser” program which links individual transactions with their account. 

Your company has just signed a $50 million contract with the Department of Defence where Cottonworths will share this data with the Australian Intelligence Services. The Department of Defence indicates they will be searching for suspect purchase patterns, such as combinations of materials used for terrorist activities. 

Customers will not be notified of this arrangement (it is classified as top secret).  Like all employees, you are legally required to keep all information about your job confidential, but you have increasing concerns about the misuse of data and the ethics of the arrangement. For instance, you believe that some in the Department of Defence are using the data to help their political bosses (such as the Minister for Defence) be re-elected. 

Should you leak details of this arrangement to the press or keep your inside knowledge to yourself?  

3. The Smoothie Shop Manager

You are the manager of a local juice and smoothie shop, Uplift. Recently, the owner has employed his much-loved nephew, Rory, to help run the store with you. Rory is hopeless – he constantly messes up orders and annoys customers. Things are so bad, your profits for the month he has been employed are down 15%. 

Unbeknownst to you, Rory has applied for a job at a juice bar two suburbs away (it’s closer to his flat). One morning, the manager of the competitor store calls you and says, “We’re looking to start Rory tomorrow, and just need a quick reference check. Rory has put you down – how is he as a worker?”

If you answer honestly, you know that they won’t give him the job and your store will be lumbered with his incompetence for some time. Do you answer honestly, or provide a glowing reference?  

4. The Disruptive Toddler

You are the manager of a local café which prides itself on its values of inclusiveness and serenity. You have a broad range of very loyal customers who come to enjoy the soothing atmosphere and wide variety of spiced chai blends. 

One day, a customer comes in with a 3 year old toddler asleep in the pram. After 5 minutes the toddler awakens, and begins running rambunctiously around the café making lots of noise and disturbing the regular patrons. Finally, a customer approaches you asking you to rectify the situation. 

You approach the parent who refuses to intervene and states, “It goes against my philosophy – I believe in free-range parenting, allowing my child to explore and interact with the world. And aren’t you an inclusive café? I have paid for my half-finished chai and need some me-time as well. You know, I just can’t believe you’d exclude our family given your values.”