The owner called one of his workers into his office for a chat.
“You’ve been with Toby’s Cakes for several months now. You’ll appreciate that our Plum and Cherry Puddings have cornered the market. However, because of recent competition, things have changed. There’s no doubt that you are one of my best workers, and that’s why I’m going to let you go.”
The baker looked shocked.
“Don’t look so worried,” the boss went on, “I want to put a lucrative offer your way. If you play your part, you’ll be five hundred dollars cash better off and you’ll still have your job.”
What’s this about?
“It’s about Thompson’s Bakery and their latest line of Frosted Tea Cakes. More and more, their new line is eating into our market share.”
“Well, I know about them, but…”
The boss raised a hand. “I know you used to work for Thompson’s. I want you to go back there. Tell them it was a mistake to leave. You only have to work there long enough.”
“Long enough?”
“Yes. Just long enough to discover the recipe for their tea cakes. Then you can return here with your job back and the cash bonus I mentioned.”
The baker looked doubtful. “I don’t know. This doesn’t sound at all ethical.”
“Look,” the other replied, “this sort of thing is more common than you think; business is business, after all.”
The baker scratched his head. “I guess this changes things.”
“What do you mean?”
The baker stood. “As it happens, I was going to hand in my notice this Friday, but I think this needs to become immediate now.”
“Notice? Whatever for?”
The baker grinned. “I was actually sent here to obtain the recipe for your puddings.”
On the way out, he said, “I have to say, they pay a better bonus than you. Business is business, as you say.”