Mariam Lakhani Ethics 2 Facts Luke: An Employee In ABC Co

Mariam Lakhani07242020ethics2factsluke An Employee In Abc Company

Mariam Lakhani 07/24/2020 ETHICS 2 Facts Luke, an employee in ABC Company, faces an ethical dilemma regarding an upcoming company investment in establishing an adult entertainment joint in a locality where his mother, Owen, resides. Owen is interested in selling her land and has hinted at her willingness to accept a good offer. Luke knows that the company's project will cause property prices in the area to decline, which would negatively impact Owen's property value. The ethical issue concerns whether Luke should inform his mother about the company’s plans, potentially risking a breach of confidentiality, or uphold the company's secrecy, respecting professional and legal obligations.

The dilemma rests on the conflict between personal loyalty to his family and employer obligations to maintain confidentiality. Disclosing confidential information to his mother may benefit her by informing her about a potential sale and avoiding her financial loss, but it would breach company confidentiality policies and possibly result in disciplinary action or job loss for Luke. Conversely, withholding the information aligns with professional ethics but raises questions about honesty and the familial duty to protect loved ones’ interests.

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The ethical dilemma faced by Luke encapsulates a classic conflict between confidentiality and personal loyalty. On the one hand, the obligation to safeguard company secrets is foundational to professional ethics, ensuring trustworthiness and legal compliance. On the other hand, his personal connection and concern for Owen's welfare exert pressure to disclose sensitive information. Employing ethical frameworks like virtue ethics, the Golden Rule, utilitarianism, and Kant’s categorical imperative provides insights into the morally appropriate course of action.

From a deontological perspective, as per Kantian ethics, Luke has a duty to respect the confidentiality agreement stipulated by his employer, which explicitly prohibits sharing sensitive information with third parties. Kant’s principle of treating individuals as ends rather than means mandates that Luke should not use his mother’s interest for personal or familial gain, nor should he breach contractual confidentiality. Breaking trust with the company could harm his professional integrity and violate Kant’s imperative to act according to maxims that can be universalized.

Utilitarian principles suggest that Luke should consider the consequences of revealing the information. The potential benefit of Owen realizing her land’s impending devaluation might be outweighed by the broader harm—such as loss of trust in the company, legal repercussions for Luke, and the societal impact of undermining corporate confidentiality policies. This approach advocates for actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number, which in this case would favor maintaining secrecy.

Virtue ethics emphasizes character traits such as honesty, integrity, and loyalty. Luke should evaluate what a person of exemplary moral character would do. Upholding confidentiality aligns with virtues of trustworthiness and responsibility. On the other hand, compassion and familial love argue for transparency, but these virtues must be balanced against professional integrity.

Furthermore, the principle of the Golden Rule—treat others as one would like to be treated—supports the idea that Luke would prefer his own trust to be respected, thereby leading him to honor the confidentiality agreement. Conversely, if he considers how Owen might feel if she discovers her son knew about the project and did not disclose it, he might see disclosure as an act of kindness, though at the expense of professional duty.

Integrating these ethical considerations suggests that the most morally appropriate decision would be for Luke to uphold the confidentiality agreement. This preserves his integrity, respects legal obligations, and aligns with societal norms about trust and professionalism. While personal and familial concerns are valid, ethical practice emphasizes maintaining professional boundaries and honoring commitments. Should Luke wish to help Owen, he could engage in a separate discussion about her financial prospects without revealing specifics about the company's project, thus balancing honesty and confidentiality.

In conclusion, the ethical course of action for Luke, guided by virtue ethics, deontological principles, and utilitarian reasoning, is to protect company confidentiality. This decision fosters trust, ensures adherence to legal and professional standards, and upholds his moral character. Balancing personal loyalty with professional ethics requires careful consideration, but ultimately, honoring confidentiality aligns with the core values of integrity and responsibility essential in the workplace.

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