Graded Homework

The Problem: The Case of Helping the FBI

A friend of yours in the FBI has come to
you with a problem. In response to the rising threat of terrorism in the US,
the FBI is working at tracking those who might be illegally in the US or
otherwise connected with unsavory practices. However, he is having trouble
getting enough information to move the investigation ahead. Your friend has
asked you to assist by releasing employee information as well as information
about all of your sub-contractors and customers. While he does not have
sufficient “probable cause” to justify a search warrant, you know that all
things being equal at some point you could be compelled to release the
information. You want to help prevent terrorism and assure that we are safe.
You also feel strongly about non-documented workers.

Be Attentive: Set the Context

1. Ethical Actor

The first step is to identify the
ethical actor. In a sentence identify the ethical
actor for this problem.

2. Stakeholders

The
next step is to identify the stakeholders. List the other stakeholders for this
problem.

3. Assumptions
In two or three bullet points, identify any assumptions you
are making about the problem.

Be Intelligent: Identify the Issue and
the Values in Tension

Issue

In one
sentence, identify the issue for
this problem.

Values in Tension
In three or four bullet points, identify the values in tension

Be Reasonable: Explore the Options

1. Components of the Practice
   Choose three options to analyze. You will analyze multiple options to help
   ensure that you choose a reasonable option to implement.

   After brainstorming with the leadership team, you have identified four
   options:

1. Release the information as requested.
2. Do not release the information without a search warrant.
3. Only release information about your employees that is
   otherwise available in other public records filed with different
   government agencies.
4. Only release information about your sub-contractors and
   customers.

In this step, identify the components
of the practice as defined by the ethical agent. Please consider four
elements: (1) standards of excellence; (2) rules that must be followed; (3)
internal goods achieved; and (4) external goods achieved.

Expectations
of the Community
Now — what are the expectations
of the community, the stake-holders, for a person who is excellent in this
practice? Any option which does not meet the basic competencies is by
definition an unethical option.

Core
Virtues

Next, considering your options, which one
best meets the requirements of the corevirutes: integrity, courage, justice,
and civility?

Unity
of Life

Now,
reflecting on the options, which one best meets the ethical actor’s
requirements for unity of life? Which one best exemplifies the standards of a
life as a whole?

Core
Commitments

Finally, consider which option is most
consistent with the ethical actor’s core
commitments. Which option has the potential to energize and transform both
the ethical actor and the community?

Be Responsible

1. Choose an Option

Select one option to implement within
your Division:

Release the information as requested.

Do not release the information without a search warrant.

Only release information about your employees that is otherwise available in other public records filed with different government agencies.

Only release information about your sub-contractors and customers.

1. Explain Your Decision

Using the guidelines for how to write
a memo, write a
memo to be shared with the rest of the leadership team which explains
your decision. (400 – 600 words)

Return to Awareness

1. Reflection for Networking

Write a reflection which
discusses whether or not the ethical analysis made sense. In this reflection,
also indicate how you have corrected for personal bias, attended to the common
good, and acted with courage.