Ethics Scenario #102: Harristown Employment and Vocational Service

102. Riley is an employment specialist for the Harristown Employment and Vocational Service, and he is delighted that one of his clients, Roxanne, has successfully found a good-paying job after a few counseling sessions with Riley. Today after lunch, Riley returns to his desk and finds a package from Roxanne, which contains a thank-you note, a box of expensive chocolates, and a check for $50 made out to him. Riley pockets the check to be cashed later this week, puts out the chocolates in the lunchroom to share with his colleagues--whose work was partly responsible for his ability to find Roxanne employment, and writes out a thank-you to Roxanne for her gifts, with best wishes for success in her new job.

a. Is Riley’s behavior ethical?