Giving Voice to Values Script - Essay Example

Student’s Name Instructor’s Name Class Name Date when due Giving Vоiсе tо Vаluеs Sсriрt Matthew went to university and worked as a casual staff member at a computer store. He had been hired at the store because his good friend Brad was one of the night managers and had put in a good word for him. The job was ideal for Matthew’s school situation since the store was located directly across the street from his university, and the hours did not interfere with his study schedule. Not only were the location and hours convenient, but the work was fun and entertaining because Matthew got to work with Brad, one of his good friends, and the manager. Matthew usually worked at night when he and Brad were the only two employees in the store. He really enjoyed the job and intended to stay there until he finished university. About one month into the job, Matthew began to notice strange things going on; Brad would disappear for 30 minutes at a time. At first, Matthew did not think much of it, and for the most part, just did what he was told to do. Another month passed and he started noticing that Brad was constantly in the back room checking the inventory. The only reason this seemed odd was because Matthew had worked with other managers and they had not done this. When his Brad would return from the back of the store, he would have a list filled with different part numbers. He would then sit at one of the computers and begin to print multiple invoices. To add to the peculiarity of this situation, Matthew also observed Brad opening his cash drawer and removing money on numerous occasions. This really disturbed Matthew to the extent of questioning him. Matthew (on a soft tone): Hi Brad, hope you are pushing well with your tasks. At least tonight am feeling more energetic to accomplish my tasks. Brad: (looking surprised and not ready for a chat at the moment): Sure, I am also feeling the same. Am trying to complete some job before it gets late; I do not want to leave in the morning with incomplete work. Matthew (with some anxiety): Me too. And, if I may ask, what are you really doing? …. Have you been added other responsibilities because the other managers did not seem to be busy with the nature of job you are doing these days? Brad (looking rather shocked hearing such a question): Oh! Am dealing with returns from the earlier day, and for your information, this is a routine procedure regularly done at night. Matthew (doubtfully): Good to hear that; but I was just curious to know as I was not used to other managers doing the same tasks. Brad (with the intent to end the conversation): It all depends with someone’s commitment to their responsibility and their style of working. Although Matthew was dissatisfied with the answer, the conversation ended and they both progressed carrying out their tasks. Another week or two passed and Brad continued to do the same thing. Matthew questioned him again. However, this time Matthew was a little more insistent on a truthful answer. Matthew: Brad, you know that we have been great friends for some years now. But there is this thing that has been disturbing me in the recent times. Brad (somewhat fearfully): And what is it really? Maybe I can assist. Matthew: Ok, it’s nothing much. I am only deeply concerned about your work. Sometimes back you used to leave the workplace for 30 minutes at a time. At first, I did not think much of it, until the recent times that you have started noticing that you are constantly in the back room checking the inventory. For sure, I apologize for am not your supervisor, but there must be something fishy going on, which may affect us all at the end. The reason for my argument is because since I was employed, I have worked with other managers and they have not been doing this. Brad (smiling): Thank you for your concern. But am afraid this is not part of your job to monitor what I do or I did not do. Nevertheless, and for the sake of our friendship, I would tell you the secret. But first you have to promise me that you will never let anyone else know it. Matthew (eager to know what was going on): Brad we know each other for years. For real I cannot disclose our secrets to anyone else regardless of the situation. Brad (ready to disclose): Come over then. Brad got on a computer and began to type in the identification numbers of different parts in order to see how many of each was currently in the inventory system. He then walked to the back of the store and checked to see if the inventory in the computer was correct. He then explained to me. Brad (with more trust): You know dude, we are here to make money. This, it is prudent for one to use his wit intelligently to get it. Just as you have seen, I usually check whether the actual inventory in the store concurs with the one entered in the computer inventory system. (He continued) if it concurs, then that is no big deal and I did nothing. However, in case I do discover an extra part that was not identified in the inventory database, I usually make some minor adjustments, search the sales history of that particular part, and retrieve various invoice numbers and dates that I use to perform a cash refund. This being my luck, I would keep the cash for myself and sign off on the return with my own management approval. Matthew (vigilant and cautious now): Am now so glad for your honesty. At least I will no longer be suspicious. Brad (hurriedly): But as you promised, I do not expect you to hear this from someone else, ever. Actually, I want to begin giving you a share of that any time I get fortunes. Matthew (looking surprised but smiling): Wow, what a kind idea. Thanks. But for the moment, I do not like that consideration; allow me some time to give it a thought. Brad (with a convincing face): But why? Look…. Looking surprised, Matthew received a phone call and left the Brad’s office to his workplace. At the moment, it was blatantly obvious to Matthew that this was wrong. He knew that it was dishonest and illegal. Still, he was confused about what to do about the whole situation. Which side was he supposed to take? He had been friends with Brad for over five years, and they had been through a lot together. On the other hand, Brad's actions were wrong and could have serious legal repercussions. Matthew never thought of himself as a "rat" and he did not want to be involved in this situation. However, he now was involved and faced a difficult challenge. He thought: Matthew: Where am I supposed to start? How should I approach the sensitive situation at hand? As a good friend, am supposed to talk to Brad; but I do not know how to go about it. Further, I do not want to come off as a “goodie-two-shoes.” He thought for a moment and then approached Brad after he gathered some courage. Matthew: For sure, I really promise you that this is between us two… But, am honestly convinced that what you are doing is not right and significantly contrast the ethical policy of the company. Brad (aggressively): What? Are you crazy? Who are you to scrutinize and intimidate me? Matthew (with a regretful face): Listen calmly please. Allow me explain myself please, I never wanted this to go this far. Brad, though frightened and angered by the Matthew’s comments, calmed down to allow him go ahead. Matthew: Am sorry for this friend, but this is just my thought. I am not here to scrutinize you at all. I know my duties. But, I am deeply concerned with your actions. It is really against the company’s code of ethical conduct. Brad: I know I dude. Kindly, you do not have to explain to me all this. It is a company policy, and everyone knows about it. However, I, as every noble person, I have a responsibility to exploit the opportunities that come my way. I have done nothing wrong; everyone is doing it, including the senior management. Do not cheat yourself! Do not be cheated by anyone! Matthew (With a note of apprehension): True, it is may be true that everyone is doing it. However, this should not literally justify your wrongdoings. Does it? Brad: Sincerely, what is this all about? I need money. You also need money. Do not be fool, and don’t fool me also! Matthew (challenging): Friend, lets discuss this calmly. There is no fooling business in our case here. And actually, as a genuine pal, I have always wished us to prosper. However, we cannot cultivate for prosperity in unethical manner. Brad (beaming): I think am getting to understand your point now. Matthew: Allow me finish Brad. Remember how the former executive manager was fired just because of a minor fraud. What makes you think you won’t get into the same trap? Imagine yourself without a job? I am not fooling you at all! I am just concerned and caring about your wellbeing, about our wellbeing. Brad (in a small voice): Sure. Matthew (he continued): Let us not care about now. Remember where you have come from to reach this position, remember the hustle, Brad. Do not be short sighted, at least for the sake of your welfare, security, integrity, and reputation in the long run. Brad extends his hand to Matthew for a hand shake. Brad (thankfully): Matthew, for sure you are my best genuine friend I will ever have. Your advice is worth a million dollars. Be assured that from today henceforth, I will change my awkward behaviour and will live to respect you ever. Thank you so much. Matthew (with a note of appreciation): Thank you too my friend. Also, thanks for your understanding. That discussion calls for a coffee to make it count, tomorrow morning I propose. Brad: Yeah, tomorrow morning let’s meet for a remarkable breakfast to crown that. After that worth discussion, they both resume back to their work to cover up the wasted time. Read More