Engaging in Fair and Equitable Practices With Vendors

By Jefferson N. Eastmond, Sr.

T his column is the thirteenth in a series featuring the twenty-two

principles of the AECT Code of Pro- fessional Ethics and is designed to raise the consciousness of members of the Association to the ethical issues that influence their daily activities. Reactions or questions related to this column or other matters or situations involving professional ethics in edu- cational communications and tech- nology should be addressed to the Committee on Professional Ethics through the AECT Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The Situation Henry Samuelson was well known

as one of the true pioneers in educa- tional media and technology in his state. Early in his career, he put Gro- ver City on the educational map by establishing the first school district media center recognized by the state department of education. During his notable career, he received wide recognition and numerous awards for

Jefferson N. Eastmond, Sr. is President of the Worldwide Education and Research Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah.

his professional accomplishments. Indeed, Henry had become some- thing of a legend in his profession!

Based on his long record of success and the enviable reputation in media and technology that he had earned for his school district, Henry had been given a free hand in the operation of his media center. In his effort to secure the best possible equipment, materials and services for his school district, Henry developed close work- ing relationships with certain manu- facturers and distributors. Over the years, he found that he could partic- ularly depend on one company, AV Technology Associates, for prompt, efficient service. Consequently, he carried out a major portion of his business with them.

Because of these frequent interac- tions, he, his staff and the personnel of AV Tech developed a rapport which resulted in not only a close pro- fessional relationship by also some warm personal friendships. As a result, each December during the hol- iday season, AV Tech hosted a recep- tion and dinner at which time its staff and the staff of the media center could enjoy a pleasant evening together.

Recently, representatives of other educational technology vendors have approached Henry about considering some of their products. Consistently Henry has turned them away with the comment that he is very satisfied with the equipment, materials and services that he is currently receiving. As a result, murmurs of dissatisfaction and discrimination are beginning to be heard by the Grover City school administration and school board.

The AECT Code of Ethics Section 2, Principle 5

In fulfilling obligations to society, the members shall engage in fair and equitable practices with those render- ing services to the profession.

Discussion

While no one would deny that Henry Samuelson is acting with the best intentions and feels that he is doing what is best for his school dis- trict, equity and good judgment sug- gest the use of competitive bidding in cases of purchases and contracts, par- ticularly when they involve signifi- cant amounts of money. Prudent practice requires that commercially produced equipment and materials be selected on the basis of criteria such as instructional value, cost and dura- bility. Some protection must be given against exploitation or an overriding monopoly by a special interest group or company.

While the annual dinner given by AV Tech for the media center employees is generally acceptable, it must be carefully demonstrated that no compensation from a vendor of instructional supplies and equipment affects recommendations for pur- chases. �9

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