CASE STUDY
After earning a degree in Engineering Management. Ashton began working for PDRC International. This is a company based in the U.S which offers engineering, design, and construction services to countries all over the world. Ashton’s work is focused on international development; his first assignment is to lead a team to develop a bid for a highway construction project in East Africa. After the engineering proposal is submitted, Ashton is proud of the work his team has accomplished and promises his manager he will do everything possible to make sure that PDRC receives the contract. PDRC’s bid is well received, and Ashton and her team are flown to East Africa to finish negotiations. Ashton is thrilled when his company receives the bid; the only stipulation is that they build their construction headquarters in a specific region for a location to build their headquarters.
In order to obtain building permits in the region, Ashton has to negotiate with the local government. As he begins negotiations, he realizes that bribery is both a common and expected practice. If he does not bribe the local officials, he will not be able to build PDRC’s headquarters in that region and consequently will lose the contract; her first managerial project will be a failure. However, it is illegal for a U.S citizen to bribe a foreign official in order to obtain business; if she is caught for bribery, she could face jail term and the company could be fined millions of dollars.
CASE QUESTIONS:
a. As an expert in business strategy discuss a win-win strategy to adopted by Ashton in order to achieve success in her bid?
b. What are the ethical issues in this case?