You are studying frantically for a mid-term exam due tomorrow. You are having difficulty with the course, and the grade you obtain for this exam can make the difference between receiving a final grade of B or C. If you receive a C, it will lower your grade point average to the point that you could lose your academic scholarship. An hour ago, a friend, who is also enrolled in the course, but in a different section under the same professor, sent you an email telling you how she found the mid-

term exam very challenging. Her class is on Tuesdays and yours is on Fridays. She accidentally took an extra copy of the mid-term exam question paper when she was packing her bags and asks if you would like it.

You glance at your course syllabus and find the following: “You are expected to do your own work in this class. Although you may study with others, giving, receiving, or obtaining information pertaining to an examination is considered an act of academic dishonesty, unless such action is authorized by the instructor administering the examination. Also, divulging the contents of an essay or objective examination designated by the instructor is considered an act of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is considered a violation of the student honor code, and will subject the student to disciplinary procedures, which can include suspension from the University.”

It is now close to midnight on Tuesday evening. You have been staring at your friend’s email for the last hour. You click on the reply button, and start to type. . . .

Requirements 1. What is the ethical issue in this situation?

2. Who are the stakeholders? What are the possible consequences for each stakeholder?

3. Analyze the alternatives from the following standpoints:

(a) economic,

(b) legal, and (c)

ethical.

4. What would you do? How would you justify your decision? How would your decision make you feel afterward?

5. How is this similar to a business situation?