Oliver Greene is a fairly recent college graduate whose primary responsibility with Cybercomp, Inc. is to evaluate capital budgeting projects and make recommendations to the board of directors. He is paid very well in his current position. Oliver finds himself in a situation where the CEO of Cybercomp, Nadine Wilson, insists the proposal to purchase Netware Products be made to look good. Netware manufactures circuitry that complements Cybercomp’s products. A preliminary appraisal report given to Oliver suggests the purchase might not be very judicious; the report was completed two years ago. Nadine has made it clear to Oliver she wants his analysis to recommend Netware be purchased by Cybercomp. To make matters worse, the gossip at Cybercomp is that Mrs. Wilson is tied to the owners of Netware either through friendship, ownership, or both. The suggestion is that a conflict of interest exists for Mrs. Wilson. Also, Oliver has the impression he could lose his job if he doesnt make the right decision.
What is the ethical dilemma? Is there an ethical dilemma?
What should Oliver do?
Should rumors and innuendos be considered in the capital budgeting analysis?
If Oliver was certain his job hinged on this capital budgeting decision, should he produce the results requested by the CEO?