Iris called the companys security hotline. The hotline is an anonymous way to report suspi- cious activity or abuse of company policy, although Iris chose to identify herself. The next morning, she was called to a meeting with an investigator from corporate security, which led to more meetings with others from corporate security and then with the director of human resources and Gladys Williams, the CIO of SLS.

Discussion Questions

1. Should Iris have approached Henry directly, or was the hotline the most effective way to take action? Why do you think so?

2. Should Gladys call the legal authorities? Which agency should she call?

3. Do you think this matter needs to be communicated elsewhere inside the company? Who should be informed and how? How about outside the company?

Ethical Decision Making

It seems obvious that Henry is doing something wrong. Do you think Henry acted in an ethical manner? Did Iris act in an ethical manner by determining the owner of the flash drive? Assuming that this incident took place in the United States, what law or laws has Henry violated? Suppose Iris had placed the flash drive back at the coffee station and forgotten the whole thing. Explain why her action would have been ethical or unethical.