Question

A public official receives from Trapp Inc., a private company, an invitation to have a family vacation at a beach resort owned by the company. The president of the company insists that the invitation would involve no extra costs for the company, as the resort has to be kept open and functioning in any case. The public official decides to accept the invitation. The market price of an equivalent vacation is $3,500. The public official is later appointed as one of the members of the evaluation commission in a bidding process in

which Trapp is participating. The official feels trapped. He thinks that he can act impartially and fairly as a member of the evaluation commission and, therefore, he does not want to reject the appointment. If he does, his colleagues may become suspicious and everybody may become aware of the fact that he had accepted the invitation. He could even lose his job. On the other hand, if he does not inform his supervisor, he could be at the mercy of Trapp Inc., which could blackmail him in exchange for favorable treatment or confidential information. He does not see a way out.

1. Analyze the situation as to the improprieties committed by the various players.

2. How would you resolve this case?

Answer 1

1.The situation has created problem for the public official and that his duty to serve th people and work in public interest is formost than his own personal concers and issues. By accepting the offer of Trapp Inc. initially he shall have foresaw the future or shall have though about it. However, if he thinks he really can be impartial in taking decisions and will not biased in taking decisions. he can talk to his seniors and share the same fact. if his senior allows him to be the member of evaluation commision, he can continue or else he shall step down from the position for upholding the trust of people on commision on personal cost.
2. I would suggest public official to step down not thinking of his reputation however he shall clarify and state the fact to his senior so that they understand his situation and this he shall do to maintain the trust of people on such commisions and government officials. He will for sure be punished for no crime of his own but this is the only option for him and he shall not let public trust go on government official.