The Case of the Mysterious Roses - Page 16 of 44

Step 3: Being Reasonable with the Results Lens Part 3Fulfill Ethical Desires Before you make your decision about what option is the most ethical using the perspective of the Results Lens, you have to combine your analysis of the impact to each stakeholder with your knowledge of what will satisfy their ethical desires. You will then see if one option emerges as the best. Here are the options that we are considering:

Option 1:

Because you have to take control of the situation, forward Gayle's email requesting the confidential meeting to Carol, the VP of Human Resources. Tell Carol what you've heard and ask her how to handle Gayle's request.

Option 2:

Promise Gayle confidentiality in order to avoid conflict. If the situation involves possible sexual harassment, advise Gayle that you'll handle the situation informally.

Option 3:

Tell Gayle you'll maintain confidentiality. If she discloses harassment, talk with Bill in order to end the problem as quickly as possible. If he's sending the roses, ask him to stop. If not, begin a formal reporting process.

Option 4:

Tell Gayle that you'll do your best to respect her desire for confidentiality and address her concern privately, if possible. Let her know that you can't absolutely guarantee confidentiality until she tells you what the issue is.

Option 5:

Promise Gayle confidentiality. If the situation involves possible sexual harassment, tell Gayle how to either file a complaint or confront Bill so she learns how to handle her own problems.

Option 6:

In order to be truthful and transparent, tell Gayle that you can keep a personal matter confidential, but that you may have to report a work-related problem. Encourage her to review the Company Handbook before meeting with you.

In the section below, choose the one option that will make each stakeholder the happiestthe option that will fulfill most of their ethical desires and goals. Beneath each of the stakeholders, I've listed the two criteria for happiness that we identified in the previous exercise. Please note that no single option may make every stakeholder happy: each stakeholder has slightly different interests that they care about in this situation. Which option best meets each stakeholder's ethical desires?

The Shareholders

1. Leadership makes sure that critical employees are happy so the company is efficient and retains its competitive edge.

2. Employees are happy and productive, the products and service are good, and customers are retained.

----- Options ------ 1 2 3 4 5 6

Carol Tempest, VP of Human Resources 1. The system treats everyone equally so all are supported at work.

2. Employees and management work together to create a harassment-free environment.

----- Options ------ 1 2 3 4 5 6

You, Director of Sales

1. You don't do anything that puts the company at risk of a lawsuit.

2. You can handle this situation appropriately so that Gayle is satisfied with the outcome and the company is not at risk.

----- Options ------ 1 2 3 4 5 6

Gayle Dornier, Lead Sales Representative

1. She can talk to you and you'll maintain her confidence so no one gets in trouble at the company.

2. She is not stalked or harassed at work and feels safe.

----- Options ------ 1 2 3 4 5 6

Bill Witherspoon, Research Scientist

1. His career is not unfairly put at risk because of a heavy-handed investigation.

2. He can clear up any misconceptions before they get out of hand.

----- Options ------ 1 2 3 4 5 6

John McIntyre, VP of Research and Development

1. His key people are protected so that work gets done efficiently and effectively.

2. He can maintain effective working relationships with his peers.

----- Options ------ 1 2 3 4 5 6