I was reading through the morning newspaper and came across this ethics
question from Barb Schaller. Thought you all might be interested 🙂
Unfortunately you have to register to read the column.
startribune.com4669989.htmlOpen ↗
Barb Schaller of Burnsville recently asked me to weigh in on
one of the most contentious and momentous ethical issues of
our times: the use of discount dining coupons. Scores of
foodies responded to a question posted by Sheryl Rosen of
Bridgeport, Conn., on the Internet newsgroup
rec.food.cooking. The original post can be found online at
tinyurl.com2eupr,butOpen ↗ here's my summary:
"A" has a book of discount coupons that entitles him to "buy-one-get-one-
free" deals at local restaurants and shops. One day, he
decides to buy lunch at a local sandwich shop that accepts
these coupons. Before he goes, he offers to pick up lunch
for "B." B places his order, and gives A enough cash to
cover the purchase.
Is it OK for A to take the cash, buy the sandwich and soft
drink, get his own lunch for free, and never tell B about
the coupon? Should A split the cost of the lunch with B and
give him half of his money back?
ASchaller contends that "the gracious, ethical ... thing to
do is split the cost of the entire order in half without
quibble. Rationale: B's order enabled A to use the BOGO [buy
one, get one free] coupon. What's to discuss? Clear cut."
In my opinion, it all depends on A and B's relationship, and
the expectations that they have created. If A and B are mere
acquaintances or complete strangers, then this is in essence
a business transaction, and all that A owes B is to deliver
what he has promised. We buy merchandise all the time
without knowing the particulars of what the seller paid.
But if A and B have a more substantial relationship, then I
agree with Schaller: The gracious thing to do would be to
split the cost. One good test is to imagine how B would
react if he knew about the coupon. I suspect that if A is
just a casual acquaintance, B would be neither surprised nor
disappointed; but if A is a friend, B would regard his
behavior as pretty cheesy.
So there the official answer!
Jody