Ethics Scenario #22: Boyleton Arts Association

22. Harry has just been asked to volunteer for the Boyleton Arts Association, a nonprofit organization for which he is a member to set up its computer system. Conscious of the limited financial resources of the organization, Harry purchases a low-end laptop with lots of hard drive space available. He then loads the laptop with the latest versions of word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, presentation, and Web Page software, which he has personally purchased for his own personal and business computers. He doesn’t charge the organization anything for providing this software--only for his out-of-pocket costs for the computer, printer, and accessories.

a. Is Harry acting ethically?

b. Is Harry acting legally?

c. What other options might Harry pursue if he wants to provide standard software to the organization in an ethical manner?