A strong performing manager with 30 years of service is discovered taking a soda from the cafeteria each afternoon without paying for it. They are warned that continuing this behavior could lead to termination, but they continue taking sodas from the cafeteria. What action would you take? Terminate the manager for stealing. Take no action because of their proven performance. Make the manager pay for the sodas they were witnessed stealing. Issue another warning to the manager and tell them that they will be terminated if his behavior continues. Explain to the manager why it is important that they adhere to company policy on this issue.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Action: Terminate the manager for stealing.
Explanation:
While it may seem drastic to terminate a long-serving and high-performing manager for something as seemingly minor as taking a soda without paying, this action is fundamentally a matter of integrity, ethics, and company policy.
Stealing—regardless of the item’s value—is a clear violation of most organizations’ codes of conduct. In this case, the manager was warned and made fully aware that their behavior was unacceptable and could lead to termination. Despite this, they chose to continue the behavior. This demonstrates not just poor judgment but a deliberate disregard for organizational policies and leadership accountability.
As a manager, they are held to a higher standard because they serve as role models for other employees. Their actions influence the workplace culture. If they are allowed to steal without consequence, it sets a dangerous precedent that rules can be bent or ignored based on tenure or performance. This undermines the company’s ethical standards and erodes trust within the team.
Taking no action or issuing repeated warnings sends a message that policies are negotiable and that high performers are above reproach. This can result in low morale, resentment among peers, and a breakdown in company culture.
On the other hand, termination—though difficult—reaffirms the company’s commitment to fairness and accountability. It shows that integrity is non-negotiable and that leadership must model the behavior expected from all employees.
Ultimately, allowing this misconduct to continue would compromise the organization’s values. Upholding those values through consistent and firm action, even when difficult, strengthens the company’s integrity and reinforces a culture of respect, trust, and ethical behavior.
