THE SET-UP:

You're a Software Engineer at a company providing vertical-specific software applications to client compa- nies. You're responsible for designing, developing, testing, deploying, maintaining, and enhancing software solutions. Your goals include meeting deadlines and operating within cost restraints. As glitches inevitably arise, you've built a process in which end users of your software are treated fairly based on the order and magnitude of the problem. In the fast-paced world of software development, you cultivate a workplace char- acterized by civility and respect for individuals.

THE PROBLEM:

You've been with your software company for five years. During your first year, you created a finance soft- ware program that has worked well for multiple clients, bringing in about a million dollars in revenue for each of the past four years. You received much verbal praise for this accomplishment from your former man- ager, but your new manager, Bill, hasn't made any mention of your notable success.

At today's staff meeting, Bill does congratulate Sarah another Software Engineer he hired several months ago on earning one of the company-wide $10,000 awards for innovative ideas. Sarah's known for working late and is generally considered to be the department's newest shining star, so the news of her

award isn't really a surprise even if she does spend a lot of time chatting and laughing with your manager in his office. As Bill talks about her project, however, you come to realize that what he's describing is actually your own finance software tweaked with some minor revisions. Bill doesn't mention your work on the pro- gram or its success over the past four years, instead making it sound like Sarah has designed and developed a brand-new program.

Given the factors above, what ethical criteria will you use to determine your path of action?