Directions: Read each of the following scenarios. Then answer the questions that follow each scenario to determine whether the individuals acted ethically. Make sure you provide answers to the questions that are well thought and considerate of all angles and deal directly with the ethics considerations of the problems at hand.

Scenario 1

Henry owns a large tract of land in the northern part of the state. For several years, there has been informal talk among lawmakers and developers about developing a new Interstate highway that would run right through Henry’s land. However, Henry has heard nothing about this. The land has been in his family for over 50 years. He plans to retire there in three years and build a new home for him and his wife.

Jamie, a major developer in the state, is aware of the possibility of the new Interstate highway. He knows that Henry’s land could be very important to the project if it moves forward. The land owner could make a substantial profit.

Jamie decides that he will meet with Henry and offer to buy his land. He plans to offer Henry about half of what the land will sell for if the Interstate project develops. He does not plan to tell Henry about the possibility of the proposed Interstate project.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the major ethical issues involved in this case?

2. Is Jamie acting ethically? Explain your answer.

3. Does Henry have a right to know about the possibility of the Interstate project? Explain your answer.

4. What would you do if you were a land developer who was interested in purchasing Henry’s land? 

Scenario 2

As unit manager, you are responsible for monitoring the e-mail and Internet usage of the four people you supervise. If you find anything that violates the company’s acceptable use policy, you are to report it to the departmental manager.

Mary is not only your coworker, but she is also a good friend outside of work. Recently you found that Mary has been spending a large part of her workday researching health care and visiting the websites of assisted living centers. You know that Mary’s father has been having some health problems. Mary is very concerned about her father and how best to handle his health care issues. But as Mary’s supervisor you are concerned because much of her work day is being spent on personal issues. Her work is beginning to suffer.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the major ethical issues involved in this situation?

2. Would you talk to Mary as a friend? Why or why not?

3. Would you talk to Mary as her supervisor? Why or why not?

4. Would you report Mary’s inappropriate use of company time to the department manager? Why or why not?

5. Would you ignore this, and hope Mary corrects her work habits? Why or why not?     

6. What do you think is the best approach to take to handle this situation?