Individual Views

These responses indicate that STC members make ethical judgments in ways that vary according to their own professional standards. Most respondents have no problem with being taken to lunch or accepting favors outside of bidding situations, but few would accept a paid lunch while a bid was underway.

However, paid hotel and travel to a vendor-sponsored event can be a more significant consideration if it occurs just before or just after a major purchase recommendation. In such cases, like members of the Senate and House, our decisions may be subject to unwelcome scrutiny. In perhaps a worst-case scenario, an unethical decision could also concern professional indemnity. 

Cultural Variations

Also, we may need to adjust our ethical decisions in accordance with the cultural environments we encounter.

For example, if a more freewheeling approach to structuring a purchase agreement, such as attendance at a management getaway sponsored by a Far Eastern conglomerate, is necessary and expected in order to structure the sort of pricing arrangement our client expects us to obtain, then it is up to us to think through the ethical implications of such an action, then make our own decision.

Such circumstances challenge our ethical principles, because they raise doubts about whether universal ethical principles exist. What is acceptable to one culture may be frowned upon in another.

The submission deadline for the next issue of STC Lines is Friday, March 24.

     Lines exists to further the interests of the STC and help create value for its members. We welcome article submissions from members of the STC community that will further the objectives of encouraging qualified consultants to join the STC, raising the visibility of the organization and promoting good internal communications.

      At this time, Lines does not carry advertising, and as a matter of policy does not publish promotional articles for telecom products or services.

      Each Lines issue will be posted on the public side of the STC web site and thus will be accessible worldwide through the Internet. Lines will also be pushed out to the STC’s network of contacts in the telecom industry, as well as to the media. The editorial staff will review and respond to each article submitted for publication. Please submit articles in MS Word, to stchdq@stcconsultants.

 Note For LINES Contributors

No Ethics Police

The STC requires only that its members ob-serve its Code of Ethics, which is a set of guidelines that does not attempt to make such fine distinctions. Like members of Congress, we are all subject to, and accountable for, the Abramoff effect.