Breach Of Confidentiality Case Study

In this case, Luke has been asked to work on a project that will be located near a neighborhood where his brother (Owen) lives. The problem is that he is experiencing an ethical dilemma between his personal ethics and his business ethics. He is concerned about his obligation of confidentiality to his company and at the same time he is very close to his brother. Both decisions might be the right choice to do, but he can only choose one. There seems to be no obvious answer because he has to decide if he wants to keep his job or has to lie to Owen. If Luke decides to tell his brother about the project, then he will be experiencing Breach of Confidentiality. “Breach of confidentiality happens when a person discloses information that was supposed …show more content…
Now if Luke were to tell Owen the confidential information then he will sell his house and accept the offer. This situation has Luke looking over personal issues between being truthful to his employer and being supportive to his brother. “Personal ethics are principles that a person lives in order to uphold his/her morals.” (GENB 4350 Online Lecture, Ethical Reasoning 1). Luke’s personal ethics are being tested because he has to decide on staying dedicated and honest with ABC or to tell his brother about the decrease in market valve. The reason why this situation should be an ethical issue is because Luke can lose trust from his employer just to help out his brother on a financial decision.
ETHICAL LENSES AND ANAYLSIS
Luke can use two theories that can help him with his situation between his job and his brother. Those theories are Utilitarianism and Universal ethics (Categorical Imperative). The Utilitarianism theory is defined to “ask which option does more good than harm to stakeholders.” (GENB 4350, Online Lecture, Ethical Reasoning 1). The Universal ethics (Categorical Imperative) theory is defined as “an action is ethical if it should be a universal law that everyone should follow all the time.” (GENB 4350 Online Lecture, Ethical Reasoning 1). …show more content…
(GENB 4350 Online Lecture, Ethical Reasoning 1). If Luke were to follow the Universal Ethics theory, he must lead others by an excellent example. He could work on the company’s project, but he would be lying to himself if he were to tell his brother about the decreasing of market value in the neighborhood. The ethical dilemma in Luke’s situation is trying to keep the company’s information to himself and not tell his brother. It may feel wrong for Luke not to tell Owen, but he also has to look out for himself. Luke should make the best decision that would allow everyone to understand and follow his