Question

1: Would you change your answer if, instead of working at a paper supply
the company, you worked as a nurse?

2: Should you admit you smelled alcohol on Karen’s breath last week? Why or why not?

3: What are the implications of each course of action?

 

Answer 1

Should you admit you smelled alcohol on Karen’s breath last week? Why
or why not?

This is an awkward and uncomfortable situation to be in. Even though
Karen is not a person I care for, it is imperative that I answer David’s
question honestly. If Karen is under the influence at work, it can impair her
judgment and put everyone around her at risk. Staying quiet when you
are aware of Karen’s drinking while at work is doing a disservice to Karen,
the employees, and the employer. She may have a deeper problem and
could be reaching out for some assistance

 

What are the implications of each course of action?

Being honest in this situation would most likely cause other employees to
see me as a rat/traitor for exposing a co-worker. Another implication is that
Karen will face disciplinary action from management that may lead her to
lose her job. David heard rumors and came to me to find answers. He must trust me enough to answer him honestly. Being dishonest in this situation would prove me to be unprofessional and untrustworthy. Going out of my way to put the company and its employees in danger would not be unethical.
Lastly, telling one lie would encourage others to conduct themselves in unethical behaviors, creating a much larger issue.

Would you change your answer if, instead of working at a paper supply
the company, you worked as a nurse?

No, I would not change my answer just because the role of the employee
is different. Even though people view a nurse’s role differently from an
employee at a paper supply company, it is important to report anyone who
is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. No one should come to work
while under the influence of alcohol no matter where they work or what
their title is. When someone is impaired, everyone around that person is
put in harm’s way

 

This is an awkward and uncomfortable situation to be in. Even though
Karen is not a person I care for, it is imperative that I answer David’s
question honestly. If Karen is under the influence at work, it can impair her
judgment and put everyone around her at risk. Staying quiet when you
are aware of Karen’s drinking while at work is doing a disservice to Karen,..............