Maria, a recent university graduate, recently started a new job as an analyst at a boutique investment bank. The office is a small, all- male environment, known as "The Bullpen." After her first two months at work, the company is set to hold its annual summer outing.

As the outing is some distance from her house, Maria is pleased when one of the executives, Imam, offers to drive her home. During the drive, Imam invites Maria for "a casual dinner." She feels pressured to accept. Since they are currently working together on a deal, she hopes that the dinner will be a great opportunity to collaborate on business. Instead, she is ill at ease when Imam continuously brings up personal matters.

Back in the car, Imam is even more insistent that Maria comes to his house. She is extremely uncomfortable, but sees no way out of the situation, feeling as if she cannot decline. At his house, Imam makes a direct advance toward Maria. By this point she has had enough and is visibly upset. Immediately, she confronts Imam as to why he is placing her in such an inappropriate situation. Maria then calls a cab and departs, mulling over her options.

Maria is unsure what action to take. Her first two months on the job were going so well and she wonders what impact this incident will have on her work environment. She does not feel comfortable approaching her firm's HR department, a one-man operation who seems to exhibit and condone the firm's "bullpen" attitude. Maria fears that if she does not speak up, the advances will continue, but considering that she has to work with Imam on their current deal, she wonders if forgetting the incident will make it go away faster.

Now consider the following questions -

1. What are the ethical issues at stake in this situation?

2. Which ethical theories do you think might be of help in deciding an appropriate course of action?

3. How would you proceed with your probable solutions in this situation?