"Business is business" - Micro Film Series on Business Ethics

Summary

The script follows a business scenario where tensions rise over quality control issues and allegations of bribery. A company is receiving numerous complaints about defective products from a manufacturer in Mainland China. Amid growing frustrations, it is revealed that one of the partners, J, has been accepting money from the manufacturer without the company's approval. This leads to a moral dilemma about integrity and friendship. The situation escalates as legal implications of the bribery, including the ICAC's potential involvement, are discussed, leaving a tough decision for the characters.

Takeaways

• 😟 A worker expresses frustration about dealing with complaints from unhappy clients.
• 👔 Mr. Wong calls to report an issue with fabric quality, leading to quick action from the team to resolve it.
• 💼 Quality control concerns arise, with repeated mistakes in orders, causing frustration among clients.
• 🤝 A discussion reveals the company is receiving a steady stream of orders from another company, but issues with product quality are increasing.
• 🧐 The company has received numerous complaints about recent shipments, leading to concerns over past quality standards.
• 💵 A secret payment is revealed, raising suspicions of unethical business practices involving substituted products.
• 🚨 Ethical concerns grow as a partner admits to accepting payments, potentially violating business integrity and transparency.
• 🤔 The discussion turns to concerns about hiding information from the company and suspicion around accepting money without approval.
• ⚖️ Legal consequences are mentioned, referencing Hong Kong's Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, which prohibits accepting advantages without approval from shareholders or directors.
• 🚔 The final resolution involves reporting the bribery case to the ICAC, with a possibility of investigation under both Hong Kong and Mainland law.

Q & A

What is the main issue presented in the script?

The main issue revolves around complaints from clients regarding the poor quality of products supplied by Wan's company and the potential involvement of bribery in the business dealings.

Why are clients complaining about Wan's products?

Clients are upset because the products received do not meet the expected quality standards, and there were substitutions made without their knowledge.

What did Chief Chan admit to doing regarding the orders?

Chief Chan admitted that due to a short notice on the last order, they substituted similar products from the warehouse and shipped them out without informing the clients.

Why is Jo upset with Chief Chan?

Jo is upset because Chief Chan accepted money from the Mainland manufacturer Wan, compromising the company's reputation and potentially violating laws, while Jo is left to deal with angry clients and partners.

What does Jo suspect about Chief Chan's actions?

Jo suspects that Chief Chan accepted money from the Mainland manufacturer in exchange for ordering their lower-quality products, which has caused major problems for their company's reputation.

What is the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance mentioned in the script?

The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance prohibits company agents, such as employees, directors, or shareholders, from accepting advantages without the company's approval. It is designed to prevent corruption within business dealings.

Who is considered an 'agent' in the context of a company under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance?

An 'agent' refers to anyone who acts on behalf of the company, including employees, board directors, or individual shareholders. They must get approval from the company before accepting any work-related advantage.

Did Chief Chan violate the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance?

Yes, Chief Chan violated the ordinance by accepting money from the Mainland manufacturer without obtaining approval from all shareholders or the entire board of directors.

Can Jo give himself approval to accept an advantage as a partner in the company?

No, even as a partner, Jo cannot give himself approval to accept an advantage. The consent must come from all shareholders or the entire board of directors.

What actions does Jo plan to take after discovering the bribery?

Jo plans to report the bribery case to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) since part of the incident occurred in Hong Kong and may also be subject to Mainland laws.