Discussion Board questions must be answered thoroughly. Must be APA format, answer thoroughly, must have at least two verifiable legitimate sources. 205+ words needed answering thoroughly should be enough I trust your judgement. Due Saturday September 14, 2019. By 1 pm EST. Plagiarism Free.

A Discussion about the ethical considerations when a Public Official provides an endorsement to a private business.

Private Endorsement by Public Official

Thomas Smith runs a company that offers private security guards, CCTV, burglary alarm and other security devices. A police department employee learns that every time after a theft or robbery takes place, Police Inspector Bill Williams advices the victim and bystanders to install security devices from Tom’s company to make their home and shops secure from criminals. Bill even tells them “When you go to Thomas Smith’s office, tell him I’ve sent you, he’ll give you special discount.”

The PD employee confronts Bill about this matter. Bill justifies his action by saying: Yes, I take money from Thomas Smith to endorse his security products for homes and offices. No, I’m not doing anything unethical because I use this money to pay my informers and keep a check on criminal elements. I don’t spend this money on myself or my family.

Even municipal buses and railway-wagons have advertisements, then why is an endorsement by a city official unethical or illegal? Besides, he continues Smith’s security devices are very effective at preventing burglary.

Should the PD employee take steps that would prevent Bill Williams from continuing this endorsement activity?

Yes/No

Why?

Or Why Not?

Source:

[Ethics] Sample Questions, Case studies for UPSC General studies paper 4 based on Donald Menzel’s book