For some ethical problems, the right choice isn’t immediately clear.  Suppose, for instance, that your manager, whom you like and respect, has a problem with alcohol that is affecting her work.  You may have to choose between telling the company and protecting your manager.

When you are in situations like this, you can follow a set of steps (like problem solving and decision making), to help you reach a good decision:

• Evaluate the problem and understand the options
• Know the stakeholders – the consequences will affect them
• Strive to do the right thing. Don’t be driven by the desire for immediate gratification
• Be in harmony with your employer’s values

Ethical training teaches that limiting oneself to either/or choices is a mistake.  There may be other choices available that will allow a more ethical way to proceed.  In this example, you might investigate the company’s policies regarding substance abuse.  It may turn out that your company works with the employee to address the problem rather than dismissing that person.  You might choose to disclose the information to someone in authority at the company whose judgment you trust.  You may think about your relationship with your manager and decide that you can talk with her about the problem and suggest that she seeks help.