Work Ethic Question
Following is a "Work Ethic" Question. The class is divided into groups. Each group is asked to come to a consensus about the "right" answer and submit your response explaining why you made that selection.

Question
A well-liked member of your staff with an excellent record confides in you that he has AIDS. Although his illness has not affected his performance, you are concerned about his future health and about the reactions of his co-workers.

You have the following choices (explain reasons for your response): A. Tell him to keep you informed about his health and say nothing to his co-workers. B. Arrange for him to transfer to an area of the organization where he can work alone. C. Hold a staff meeting to inform his co-workers and ask them how they feel about his continued presence on your team. D. Consult your human resources officer on how to proceed

Response:
Laura- I believe that this situation should definitely be handled by the Human Resources Department. This is dealing with an employee’s health and personal life and HR is always the best department for addressing any of those issues. The HR personnel are trained and knowledgeable of the laws that help keep the company in compliance with those laws.
Paige- I chose D because this is something that can affect the entire department negatively. I originally went with A because this is a health issue and businesses cannot discriminate based on health, but after thinking it through, AIDS is the progression of HIV and attacks his entire immune system. However, I worry that once I tell HR, they may discriminate against him. But the safety of the entire department is at risk, so notifying someone may be the best option. I found it difficult to choose between A and D simply because work is not supposed to discriminate based on health and I am not well