Really, the only way is ethics

Really, the only way is ethics

Jason Busch drew attention to Ariba’s offer earlier this week in a blog post all about Ariba’s annual Las Vegas event. “Use Promo code TWTRCHP when you register for #AribaLIVE & get $250 #CaesarsPalace chips aribalive.com.”

Promotional gifts are not unusual and as long as they are modest and proportionate in terms of their value and as long as they are fitting in terms of normal business practice and local convention few professionals would lose too much sleep over them. But local conventions differ enormously around the globe. The UK public sector is famously paranoid about accepting entertainment from potential suppliers even to the point of refusing biscuits at business meetings. Yet in contrast, it is an open secret that the UK defense industry will routinely equip its sales agents overseas with easily tradeable forms of currency in order to ensure that doors can be opened that lead to lucrative orders. It’s seen as a necessary evil that merely demonstrates an understanding of local customary business practice.

Of course there is and always will be grey areas but procurement professionals, those who lead by example and support their colleagues in ensuring proper procurement practice is followed, should know exactly how to behave when faced with a grey area. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.

I’m not going to judge whether offering $250 of gambling chips as a promotional gift is within a grey area or not. Ariba Live is held in Las Vegas after all but it is, to say the least, ironic and Ariba could appear to some to have demonstrated a lack of empathy for the professional principles of an important business function in which they claim leadership.

What do you think? Leave a comment.



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