Stan has decided to tell Jim but first wants to convince management of the rightness of his action. What might he say to who and why? What are the reasons and rationalizations he may have to counter in making his argument?

Question

As a professional working for a large electronics firm, Stan found himself riding a roller coaster of concern about lay-offs. Every few years, top management slashed jobs as work slacked off - only to hire again when things were looking up. So when Stan and his team members noticed that the executives were again meeting behind closed doors, they suspected the worst.

Stan's boss revealed to Stan that Stan's team member Jim was slated to lose his job. However, it was made plain that Stan was to keep that information confidential.

Not long after that conversation, Jim approached Stan and asked whether he could confirm the rumor that he would be laid off.

Answer 1

Stan should approach Stan's boss and explain that Jim has directly asked him if he will be laid off. Jim and other coworkers have noticed the many closed-door meetings and fear that another round of lay-offs is coming. Stan should explain how Jim and coworkers would appreciate honesty and transparency in knowing about the lay-offs. The affected workers could start looking for another job. Stan needs to be empathetic to Jim's position and the concerns of other workers who have a right to know if their jobs are in jeopardy. Jim and the other workers trust Stan as the team leader to look out for their best interests in return for loyalty to the team and diligent work.

Stan's boss is likely to use the reasons and rationalizations of "this is standard practice;" and "this is not my responsibility; I'm just following orders." Stan should try reasoning that his boss would want to know if he himself were being laid off. This would follow the Golden Rule, deontology, enlightened egoism, and virtues. Stan should ask his boss about who has the responsibility in making the layoff decisions; he would like to talk to that person.

If Stan acts in these ways he will gain the trust of other employees and even management who, in the long run, may see Stan's loyalty as a plus for the firm.