It is right, on the other hand, not to say anything
to your friend because the person who told you in
the first place asked you to keep it secret and you
must be loyal to your promises. Also, your friend
may prefer to hear the news from his supervisor
and may be unhappy with you if you tell.
In this example you are faced with a truth versus
loyalty conflict: Do you tell your friend the truth or
remain loyal to the person who swore you to secrecy?
Once you have reached a decision as to the type of
conflict you are facing, three resolution principles are
available to you:
• Ends-based. Which decision would provide the
greatest good for the greatest number of people?
• Rules-based. What would happen if everyone
made the same decision as you?
• Th e Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.
None of these principles can be said to off er a perfect
solution or resolution to the problem since you cannot
possibly predict the reactions of the other people involved in the scenario. However, the process of
resolution at least offers something more meaningful
than “going with your gut feeling” or “doing what’s
right.”