Final answer:
The best response to the Purchasing Manager would be to suggest a follow-up meeting with the CEO to ensure necessary approval and demonstrate respect for the company's decision-making process. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where the Purchasing Manager indicates that CEO approval is necessary after a lengthy sales engagement, the appropriate response would be option c): Suggest involving the CEO in a follow-up meeting.
This reflects good business practice, respecting the hierarchy and decision-making process within the client's organization. Suggesting a follow-up meeting allows for ensuring that the CEO is fully informed, which is crucial for buy-in on significant financial decisions. Moreover, it positions you as a partner who understands and respects the client's internal processes and is willing to collaborate efficiently at all levels.
From previous examples, it's clear that successful projects often require the engagement and approval of higher-level executives - just as it is essential for a president to make careful appointments within federal bureaucracy or for producers to involve directors in promotional conversations in the arts.