Ethics in Supply Management for Small Businesses

Are supply management ethics still relevant for small businesses during COVID-19? Let's discuss the legal and professional expectations from supply managers in today's environment. Supply managers are responsible for large sums of money. Even in small businesses, the amount spent on supplies, services, and raw materials can be a target for scrutiny. How can small business buyers make sure that they are complying from a professional and corporate perspective so as to minimize the risk of issues that can hurt their reputational and regulatory performance? The advent of COVID-19 and government incentives to small businesses have only raised the topic of supplier ethics. In this session, we explore what professional ethical behavior is expected from small business managers. We explore actions before, during, and after negotiation with buyers and suppliers that may not be considered ethical. For instance, we will explore "sharp practices" by buyers. Examples of ethical dilemmas faced by buyers will be shared and assessed as part of the session.