Title

Threats and safeguards

Under pressure: BeeZed Case Study

A version of this case study was used as basis for the discussions in the Acting Under Pressure report. Read the full case study and how groups in different regions approached the dilemma in the report online.

The case BeeZed is a multinational construction and property management company valued at $US1.5BN, and it is listed on a major stock exchange. The company has formal presence in many major cities and construction projects around the world, ranging from road building, construction of public sector buildings, including hospitals, schools and university buildings to commercial contracts for office buildings. Some of the construction projects that BeeZed is involved with are financed by private finance initiative (PFI). BeeZed has a good reputation in this industry for quality and safety as well as its ability to deliver projects on time. These are all critical success factors for keeping its existing customers content and for providing a basis for winning future business. On its global HQ website it has its publicly stated code of ethics and corporate values, which reflect best practice, as well as publicising its CSR activities which include support in youth education, and in affected countries HIV/Aids outreach. Sara, a professionally qualified former colleague of yours from another country is joining BeeZed Community Divisions as a finance business partner. She contacts you to ask your advice regarding potential challenges and risks to ethical practice in your country.

Discuss Discuss the questions below considering application of the Code of Ethics’ fundamental principles (detailed on next page). Draw up an action plan and outline threats and safeguards based on the fundamental principles of the Code. Threats: What are the possible challenges, risks, threats and ethical pressures Sara may face in upholding her professional code? Safeguards: What safeguards should be put in place? What other support...