Originally Posted by
Loren Pechtel
I think it comes down to how bad the free offering is. Most businesses wouldn't expect an employee to accept a Motel 6, they shouldn't expect employees to accept the Motel 6 level of food, either.
Following that logic, if the hotel is good enough for you to stay at, their food should be good enough for you to eat. I don't think it's proper to have a higher standard for food than for accommodation.
Originally Posted by
emma69
I see it another way. If my company doesn't see it fit that I use my own judgement when it comes to food (or flights, or accommodation - I select my airline / hotels when I travel, there is no chain preference or list to pick from) then why would they see it fit that I use my judgement when it comes to the decisions I make, the costs I incur and the contracts I sign on behalf of the company. It seems absurd that they would not bat an eyelid at my professional decisions which have a heck of a lot more cost implications, but would question my $15 breakfast. Ultimately, if you trust someone to have integrity when it comes to the job, that should extend to other areas of their professional life.
I'm sure you realize the difference between performing your job duties (where you have no personal stake in the contract you are signing on the company's behalf) and reimbursement of your expenses (where you definitely have a personal stake).
But personally, I tend to not trust those who demand to be trusted and object to scrutiny of their actions. If your expenses are appropriate, you should have no problem justifying them when requested. If this bothers you, I would not trust you to make decisions on someone else's behalf. Ultimately, people who get defensive and indignant when questioned are often the ones who are more likely to be hiding something.