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Keith recently noticed an item in the consolidated financial statements for the Mexican operating unit. After calling the regional vice president of that unit, Keith learned that this money represented payments to three top Mexican officials. These officials represent three of the five Mexican states where Zip-6 has operations. Keith is concerned about the payments, about precedent, and about the possible ethical and legal implications of such payments. The vice president of the operating unit has assured Keith that the payments to these officials were “necessary” and “acceptable” within Mexico. Keith remains unconvinced and is especially troubled by the ethical consequences of such payments; especially since these are prohibited under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  

1. Should Keith be concerned about the payments, and if so, why?
2. After reviewing the supplemental Ethics Power Point Presentation, which ethical approach (choose one from the choices below) best explains the ethical principles behind laws prohibiting such payments to government officials?
3. Philosophical Approaches to Ethics (choose one): Consequential, Nonconsequential, or Virtue Ethics Theories
4. What should Keith’s response be to the situation, and why?