Sample Answer Format: Identifying The Main Ethical Issue
Sample Answer Formatidentificationthe Main Ethical Issuewhat Should
Identify the main ethical issue: What should ______ do about ________________________? Research three areas of research would include: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________
Analysis (use 4 options and 4 stakeholders): All of the options begin with the same name as the person with the ethical issue. See chart in chapter 4. Options → ____ could _____ _____ _____ could _____ _____ _____ could _____ _____ _____ could _____ _____ Stakeholders → Stakeholder 1. Stakeholder 2. Stakeholder 3. Stakeholder 4.
Paper For Above instruction
The case presents a complex ethical dilemma centered around the actions of Angel, a technician at a data recovery company, and the ethical responsibilities entailed when dealing with sensitive data found during a data recovery process. Specifically, the ethical question revolves around whether Angel should disclose or act upon the disturbing content discovered on Mr. Bowen’s damaged hard drive, which suggests a serious criminal offense, or whether he should respect client confidentiality and the company's policies on privacy and discretion.
First, establishing the main ethical issue: Should Angel Luna report the evidence of possible murder to authorities, or should he respect client confidentiality and maintain silence, as the company's policies dictate? This question addresses the core conflict between moral duties to uphold the law and protect victims, versus the duty of confidentiality owed to clients and the economic interests of the data recovery company.
In researching this dilemma, three key areas require investigation:
- Legal obligations concerning discovery of criminal evidence: Laws regarding the obligation of individuals and corporations to report evidence of a crime; understanding client confidentiality laws and their limits (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR).
- Ethical standards in professional data handling and confidentiality: Codes of conduct from professional associations such as the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) or the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS) that provide guidelines for handling sensitive data responsibly.
- Moral implications of whistleblowing versus corporate loyalty: The ethical principles surrounding whistleblowing, including duties of loyalty, nonmaleficence, and the moral justification for reporting illegal acts discovered accidentally.
Constructing an analysis chart with four options and four stakeholders allows examination of the ethical implications from various perspectives:
| Options & Stakeholders | Stakeholder 1 | Stakeholder 2 | Stakeholder 3 | Stakeholder 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Angel could report the evidence to law enforcement. | Angel’s moral integrity is upheld; risk of legal repercussions for himself and company. | The client (Mr. Bowen) might face legal consequences; privacy is infringed. | The company’s reputation could be damaged or enhanced depending on public response. | The victim’s family might benefit from the possibility of justice. |
| Option 2: Angel could destroy or ignore the evidence, maintaining confidentiality. | Preserves confidentiality and company policy; avoids risking legal exposure. | Potentially allows a criminal to remain free; moral conflict persists. | Company maintains reputation for discretion; possible future ethical conflicts. | Possible victims of ongoing or future crimes are at risk. |
| Option 3: Angel could notify his supervisor and suggest ethical review. | Shares moral concern; respects organization’s procedures; potential for internal review. | Maintains confidentiality unless policy requires disclosure; fails to act directly. | While avoiding immediate moral compromise, the company may face internal conflict or policy review. | The potential for justice depends on subsequent company action; possibly delays justice. |
| Option 4: Angel could anonymously contact authorities without company approval. | Potential justice for the victim; limits personal and organizational risk. | Confidentiality is maintained; possible breach of company policy. | May lead to legal consequences for the organization if discovered; ethical ambiguity. | Victims and society may benefit from uncovering criminal acts. |
References
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- Murphy, J. (2018). Whistleblowing and professional ethics. Professional Ethics, 27(3), 211-230.
- Regan, P. M. (2016). Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing. SAGE Publications.
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