The most important motivation in the rational choice theory is the maximization of profits or pleasure ( Hedström & Stern, 2017) . It purports that all humans act rationally, with their aim to gain more. Therefore, based on that school of thought, Joe should accept the invitation of Bill. Since they have had a strained relationship with Bill, he should take advantage of the invitation to loosen the air between them. The acceptance of the invitation should be for the aim of getting the most from negotiations in a lighter mood. According to the rational choice theory, Bill will also try to achieve more from the conversation and partying. Therefore, Joe should sharpen his skills of negotiation and try as much as possible to be on the winning side.
Joe should do a considerable amount of homework on what exactly he will want to achieve or gain from the party moment. Before attending the party, he should go through the points and developmental milestones. His bargaining model should be such that, he must be able to develop the highest point or percentage of achievement at the middle level and the lowest level. That will help him remain focused in the light moments of the party. He will also be able to move faster in terms of the negotiation process. Another important aspect of the preparation process should be to jot down some of the things he will be able to give up or surrender. From the elements he will be willing to give up, Joe should evaluate the implications or consequences that would later be accrued. If the consequences would be worth losing for the greater good, he should go ahead to sacrifice them. After that evaluation, he should ensure that the charts out a way of cementing his relationship with Bill in case the situation heads south.
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At the point that moral ethics is jeopardized at the expense of gaining, the rational model would be wrongly applied. For example, Joe concentrates too much on wanting to win to the extent of giving out bribe would be a wrong application of the model.
The ethical theory that is applicable to the acceptance of the offer by Joe is deontology. This is an ethical theory that delves on the fact that the end justifies the means ( Paquette et al., 2015) . Therefore, Joe should push towards being in business with Bill, especially given that Bill is fond of him. The main purpose of businesses is to make customers and be able to maintain them. That is because customers are the heartbeat of any business. Therefore, Joe should try with all means to maintain the relationship with Bill. The mere acceptance of the invitation provides no justification of unethical behavior. Joe should rather demonstrate assertiveness and swiftness in adopting opportunities. That would make the business grow faster.
Bill is one of his main customers and therefore, he must be able to develop a standard for agreement. Bill should understand that in as much he is sociable he does not compromise his moral and ethical values. This theory is applicable because it will serve the best interest of the company where Joe works. Another alternative would be to use the virtue ethics which delves more on the personal aspect of moral ethics ( Van, 2014) . In this case, Joe could make a stand that he does not compromise nor create an environment for compromise, thus turning down the offer of Bill. The difference to this theory to the deontology theory is that the latter seeks self-interest as a priority as opposed to ethical considerations.
References
Hedström, P., & Stern, C. (2017). Rational Choice Theory. The Wiley ‐ Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Theory , 1-7.
Paquette, M., Sommerfeldt, E. J., & Kent, M. L. (2015). Do the ends justify the means? Dialogue, development communication, and deontological ethics. Public Relations Review , 41 (1), 30-39.
Van Hooft, S. (2014). Understanding virtue ethics . Routledge.
