Jorge Martinez recently joined GroChem, Inc., as assistant controller. GroChem processes chemicals for use in fertilizers. During his first month on the job, Jorge spent most of his time getting better acquainted with those responsible for plant operations. Jorge asked the plant supervisor what the procedure was for the disposal of chemicals. The response was that he (the plant supervisor) was not involved in the disposal of waste and that Jorge would be wise to ignore the issue. Of course, this just drove Jorge to investigate the matter further. Jorge soon discovered that GroChem was dumping toxic waste in a nearby public landfill late at night. Further, he discovered that it appeared that several members of management were involved in arranging for this dumping. Jorge was, however, unable to determine whether his superior, the controller, was involved. Jorge considered three possible courses of action. He could discuss the matter with his controller, anonymously release the information to the local newspaper, or discuss the situation with an outside member of the board of directors whom he knows personally.

Required:

a. Does Jorge have an ethical responsibility to take a course of action?

b. Of the three possible courses of action, which are appropriate and which are inappropriate?