Allyson serves on the board of the State Association to Abate Women’s Domestic Violence. In her professional life, she is the publisher of a series of magazines geared to women’s issues. The board has agreed to publish a monthly magazine for its stakeholders, and Allyson has taken an active role in convincing the board that this would be a valuable addition to the communications strategy of the organization. Because of her experience, members of the board suggest that Allyson’s organization produce the magazine. Allyson agrees to do this, and offers to provide a reasonable discount for providing these services.
a. Is Allyson acting ethically by offering to provide these services?
b. Was Allyson acting ethically by participating in the debate on whether to have a magazine?
c. Would Allyson’s offer be more appropriate and ethical if she offers to provide these services at cost?
d. How might the board have structured decision-making on this issue to make sure the process of deciding whether to have such a magazine, and deciding who does this work, to make it ethical?