FACTS

Luke is an employee of ABC. He has been asked to work on a project, which involves developing land that was purchased by ABC to build an adult entertainment retail store. After working on the plan, Luke realizes the land is located on the corner of the neighborhood where his brother, Owen, lives. Luke knows once the store publicly announces the project in one month the property values for the surrounding neighborhood will decrease significantly. Owen recently told Luke that he received an offer to sell his house at an “okay” price given the current real estate market.

ISSUE

Should Luke share the information to his brother, Owen, or should he keep his obligations of confidentiality to his company? In this specific case an ethical issue arises from the conflict between a set of good values: honesty and loyalty. Luke has to decide to choose between being truthful to his brother, Owen, or loyal to the company he is employed by.

ANALYSIS – APPLICATION OF ETHICAL LENSES/THEORIES

Utilitarianism

One method Luke can use to make his decision is the utilitarian approach. The Utilitarian approach assumes the idea that a decision is ethical if it benefits a majority of stakeholders. This approach would also require one to evaluate the consequences to each stakeholder and decide which choice would ultimately produce the greatest good for the largest number of stakeholders. In this situation, Luke would have to make his decision after considering the benefits and harms of each choice for all stakeholders.

Releasing confidential information to his brother could not only affect Luke’s position in the company but could also cost Luke his job. Luke must consider how his decision could impact not only his own career but also his brother property situation and many other stakeholders. For instance, if Luke decides to tell his brother about the upcoming