Your organization is in the unfortunate position of having to cut its costs because sales and profits have reduced significantly during a period of difficult economic trading conditions.

The senior management team has discussed a number of ways to reduce costs, one of which is downsizing. You have been asked to work with three colleagues confidentially to produce a report that examines the options for this possibility.

You must analyze costs and make recommendations for achieving a fixed cash reduction with minimal loss of personnel. Confidentiality must be maintained because the final decision rests with the senior management team, and your recommendations may not be implemented.

Two members of the management team approach you and ask you to speed up the production of your report so that they can read it and make some decisions before the rest of the management team. Discuss your options and obligations in this situation and decide a course of action that is ethical and fair to all parties.