Real-Life Decision Making
You are beginning to think about a vacation. You haven't taken one since you got the editor-in-chief position three years ago. There was so much to do and so much to learn.
The paper enjoys a lot of community support. Local businesspeople are quick to point out that their support of the struggling paper a few years ago was critical in keeping it on its feet.
You are very grateful to the local businesses. They buy thousands of dollars worth of advertising. Many stores even sell copies. However, some large companies are beginning to feel that their support should be recognized.
At first, they request the best ad space in the paper. Traditionally, the paper sells the advertising space on a first-come, first-served basis. A company can buy the same place to put their ad every week for up to three months only. After that, the next person on the list gets a shot at it. The rest of the advertising space is sold to whoever wants it.
One of your advertisers is Mrs. Calhoun. She inherited her husband's real estate company when he died last spring. The company has lots of property in town and owns three successful businesses, too.
Mr. Calhoun had grown to expect not only the best choice of ads, but also a favorable article or two each year. Now it has come to light that one of Mrs. Calhoun's companies has had a problem. It seems this company, a catering business, has been accused of using substandard ingredients.
Your staff has investigated and confirmed this. In fact, it's been an insider's joke for a number of years now.
What do you do?