Introduction
For the analysis of the sales representative activities, the situation with the supply of switches can be considered, which relates to the inconsistency of these goods with the needs of the modern market. The search for an optimal solution to the problem is the key task of the sales representative. The decision should be based on taking into account the partnership interests.
Sales Representative’s Dilemma and the Company’s Problems
The main dilemma that arises is whether it is necessary to continue supplying insufficiently high-quality equipment to partners or it is required to address the management and report the observed violation. The problem of BE Electronics is that the company has ceased to closely monitor market trends. Also, the risk of losing an advantageous partner arises caused by the lack of quality goods for sale. Providing customers with high-quality goods is an indispensable condition for productive trade (Bonney, Plouffe, & Brady, 2016). BE Electronics cannot offer good equipment to its partners, and the failure to take any measures may lead to the loss of all points of sale. Therefore, the intervention of the sales representative should be aimed at correcting the current situation with the improvement of the production line.
Sales Representative’s Choices and Their Consequences
Potential stakeholders are BE Electronics and their partner organizations. The decision of the sales representative can significantly affect both sides. If the management of BE Electronics is notified of the problem with the quality of the goods, the analysis of the problem will be required. It will take some time, but, in the end, it can help reorganize the production line. The enterprise will incur losses caused by the need for additional financing for the renovation of production. If no active measures are taken and no innovations appear, it will prove to be a problem for the partners of BE Electronics. They will not be able to receive modern equipment that meets market standards, and switches will have to be purchased from another manufacturer.
Both choices are complex. It is easier for BE Electronics not to change anything and try to sell current products, which does not require any additional investment. Nevertheless, the decision in favor of improving the quality of goods is likely to be correct since, according to McMurrian and Matulich (2016), customer orientation and the consideration of stakeholders’ interests is a significant ethical feature of a professional sales representative.
Company’s Further Actions Regarding Organizational Ethics
To solve the problem, the participation of not only the sales representative but also the members of the management is required. Joint efforts are needed to plan all the steps of manufacturing innovations. BE Electronics cannot quickly improve its products, and a phased solution to the problem will be implemented. As Johnston and Marshall (2016) claim, modern business trends provide for a responsible approach to fulfilling obligations to customers; therefore, to begin with, partners will be notified of the planned innovations. Further, the market review will be performed to make an optimal decision regarding the strategy and type of production. Finally, the enterprise will start working in a new regime.
If the sales representative actively participates in the trading process and monitor compliance with organizational ethics, no controversial issues will arise (Rapp, Agnihotri, & Baker, 2015). The company needs to carefully monitor those samples of materials that are for sale. Constant monitoring of market interests can be a good measure for tracking customers’ needs. Any misstep should be timely corrected to avoid conflicts with partners.
Conclusion
Thus, it is essential to find an optimal solution to the problem by taking into account the partnership interests. BE Electronics’ organizational work can be amended to supply the market with high-quality goods. To do it, the participation of both the sales representative and the members of the management is necessary to decide on the effective implementation in the workflow. Compliance with the terms of organizational ethics is the indicator of a modern and considerate approach to fulfilling obligations to customers and partners.
References
Bonney, L., Plouffe, C. R., & Brady, M. (2016). Investigations of sales representatives’ valuation of options. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 44(2), 135-150.
Johnston, M. W., & Marshall, G. W. (2016). Sales force management: Leadership, innovation, technology (12th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
McMurrian, R. C., & Matulich, E. (2016). Building customer value and profitability with business ethics. Journal of Business & Economics Research (Online), 14(3), 83-98.
Rapp, A., Agnihotri, R., & Baker, T. L. (2015). Competitive intelligence collection and use by sales and service representatives: How managers’ recognition and autonomy moderate individual performance. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(3), 357-374.