The company’s sales have decreased by 21% over the last two quarters. Most people blame it on the general economic decline in the country.  At corporate headquarters, the purchasing department, which Bev directs, is right next to the sales department.  Bev frequently sees the salespeople hanging around gabbing about sports, movies, or whatever.  She has a one-on-one meeting with the company VP to communicate her observations of the salespeople.  She tells the VP the facts of what she has observed and stresses that she doesn’t want to draw any conclusions about sales, but she believes the VP should be informed of her observations.

 

Is this conduct acceptable?

 

Did Bev have any other options?

 

How was Bev’s character put on the line by this situation?

 

What priorities are at stake here?