Answer to discussion

Answer to discussion

Name:

Institution:

Answer to discussion

Discussion 1 by Jennifer

According to Jennifer, there were two possible reasons as to why the client told the salesperson what he intended to do. Firstly, Catherine states that the client wanted to reach out for help without directly asking the salesperson. Secondly, she states that the client wanted to evaluate the reactions of the salesperson. I completely agree with her response to the first question. In many instances, clients have made statements aimed at evoking contributions by the salesperson. Through dialogue, the client will be able to gather new information surrounding the topic, and conceal the main reason why they requested for more clarity (Camiciottoli, 2007). Some salespersons have the tendency of manipulating clients in the event that they realize the customer has no information regarding the item. However, some statements are aimed at evoking reactions from salespersons. Despite the fact that clients might have knowledge regarding an item, the salespersons’ reaction might determine the level of trustworthiness based on their reply.

I completely disagree with Jenifer’s statement that the client was not organizing for his own burial. Furthermore, she contradicts her self by later stating the client actually needed help from an ethicists and responsible person. However, I completely agree with her that the salesperson portrayed high professional ethics by inventing the story surrounding commission. Furthermore, I concur with her  that a person can do well by doing good. According to Torbjörn (2008), people and institutions should focus on aligning their actions to be morally and ethically right. Despite the demerits that might be associated with morally right actions, people should aim at improving the general well being of others.

Discussion 3 by Katherine

According to Katherine, the client’s decision to tell the salesperson his intentions was influenced by his subconscious mind. Katherine states that the client’s desperation and unease of mind indicated that he needed assistance in making decision of whether or not he should commit suicide. I do agree with Katherine that the client would have committed suicide if the salesperson had serviced his order. Therefore, it was very wise to introduce a lie regarding the order-placement waiting period. In the end, the business did ‘well’ in terms of profits from commission, and did ‘good’ by preventing the client from committing suicide. During the seven days waiting period, the client was able to reevaluate his decision surrounding suicide.

I agree with Katherine’s conclusion that the client might have later expressed gratitude to the salesperson for saving his life. During desperate moments, people tend to make unwise judgments that might affect their lives. According to Reeves (2010), during such situations, victims require substantial support especially from people who do not aim at taking advantage of their misfortunes. In turn, victims, in this case the client, will express their gratitude because they will reevaluate their misjudgments due to the advices or actions made by other people. In summary, Katherine’s central idea is that altruism and interdependence among individual are very vital in resolving societal problems and identifying advantages that will improve the position of all stakeholders. However, in her response, Katherine fails to mention that altruism, as expressed by the salesperson, has far-reaching impacts on the individual or institution’s future because it would improve on their reputation (Nowak & Highfield, 2011). In the end, they too will gain from their altruistic behavior.

Reference

Camiciottoli, B. C. (2007). The language of business studies lectures: A corpus-assisted analysis. Amsterdam: J. Benjamins Pub.

Nowak, M. A., & Highfield, R. (2011). Supercooperators: Altruism, Evolution, and Why We Need Each Other To Succeed. New York: Free Press.

Reeves, A. (2010). Counselling Suicidal Clients. London: SAGE.

Torbjörn, T. (2008). Understanding ethics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh Univ. Press.