Agro Vista Food for Amanah (Trust) and Ihsan (Integrity) with the Tyres, the Ban, and the Assistant Manager

Abstract

This case examines a complex employee-relations dispute involving amanah (trust), ihsan (integrity), managerial discretion, and the interpretation of organisational directives at AgroVista Integrated Foods Company. The case centres on Ms. Tan, a long-serving Assistant Manager with more than thirty-three years of dedicated service, who approved the sale of used company tyres to Evergreen Auto Services, a vendor previously blacklisted due to integrity concerns. The controversy emerged during an internal review of by-product sales when management discovered that multiple transactions had occurred with the blacklisted workshop after the ban had been imposed. While senior management viewed the transactions as a violation of the blacklist directive and a breach of organisational trust, Ms. Tan maintained that the prohibition applied only to vehicle repair and maintenance services, not to the disposal of used materials. She argued that the transactions were transparent, beneficial to the company, and properly documented, with all proceeds credited to company accounts. The dispute raises important questions regarding the distinction between the letter and spirit of corporate policies, the boundaries of managerial discretion, and the role of organisational justice when dealing with long-serving employees. The case provides opportunities for students and practitioners to analyse ethical decision-making with Tawhidic epistemology, integrity management, disciplinary procedures, and the challenges of balancing compliance requirements with practical operational considerations in contemporary organisations.