Woman Fired For Giving Tot A Free Timbit

A 27-year old woman was fired by the popular franchise Tim Hortons, after giving away a free timbit which cost about 16 cents at that point of time to a 11-month year old. The reason that was given to her for her being fired was that “it was against the policy to give away free items to customers”. The lost job cost her and her family money for their daily bread. Though she was re-hired later on, how ethically right is it to fire an employee for making their customers happy? Given what is taught and understood, a business earns its profits through customers. And customers only buy a business’ product if the customer is happy with the service provided. Such actions by one franchise creates a havoc and a reputation loss amongst customers. She was re-hired later in the same year by another franchise of Tim Hortons. Which is more important? Following rules? or being ethical? What does a business do when following rules makes it unethical?