Ethical Scenario 1

As a professional, working for a large defense electronics firm, Stan found himself riding a roller coaster of concern about layoffs. Every few years, it seemed, top management slashed jobs as work slacked off - only to hire again when things started looking up. So when Stan and his team members noticed that the executives were again meeting behind closed doors, they suspected the worst.

Stan's boss, however, was a good friend - and also a voluble talker. So Stan felt no qualms asking him about the future. His boss explained the contingency plan at length - mentioning that, if layoffs were needed, Stan's team member Jim would be slated to lose his job. He also made it plain that Stan was to keep that information confidential.

Not long after the conversation, Jim approached Stan and asked whether he could confirm what the rumour mill was saying: that he himself would be the target. That request landed Stan squarely in a dilemma. Because he thought himself an honest person he felt he should answer accurately. But he had also given his word to his boss not to break a confidence.

1. a) Outline the main facts.

b) Using Kidder's 4 types of ethical dilemmas, identify the type of ethical dilemma? Explain your choice and outline what are the competing interests. (4)

2. What should Stan do in this case? Give your reasoning for your response giving reference to the ethical viewpoint you believe applies in this case. (4)