Jose is a general manager of a division of Global Operations. In that capacity, he knows that his company is planning on making layoffs soon. Juan, a good friend in another division, tells Jose he is about to buy a new house that is much more expensive, but he’s confident that he can make the higher payments, because his career at Global is going well. Jose doesn’t know if Juan will be laid off but is concerned. Should he:
_____ A Warn Juan of the upcoming layoffs.
_____ B Encourage Juan to hold off on buying the house because “something is up” and he can’t say more.
_____ C Let Juan’s direct supervisor know what Juan is doing.
_____ D Stay out of the issue. Since Jose doesn’t know what’s going to happen to Juan, there’s really nothing to do.
1. What ethical principle or principles reflect your decision?
2. How would you evaluate the ethical intensity in this situation?