Special Rules

Differences among University offices

The unit where my friend works also allows gifts up to a value of $25 (as long as there’s nothing expected in return), whereas employees in my unit are not allowed to accept any gifts whatsoever, not even an inexpensive pen.  Isn’t this unfair?     

Depending on the circumstances, a seemingly insignificant gift can influence a person’s decisions.  For example, it’s been shown that when a pharmaceutical company provides free items such as pens or coffee mugs to health care providers, those providers prescribe more drugs made by that company.  In contrast, when a staff member in a school or college receives a free pen, it’s unlikely to affect the staff member’s or the unit’s decision-making.