Scenario: Socially Transmitted Details

Group Size: 4-15

Scenario

Department of National Defence (DND) civilian employees Noor and Alasie are sitting at their office lunchroom table. Alasie is unusually talkative, positively gushing about Luca, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) sergeant (Sgt) and the new relationship in their life.  

“I think Luca is just super!” Alasie exclaims.  

“Well, you do seem to be on cloud 9!” Noor replies.  

“It’s just that it’s been so long since somebody has shown an interest in me like this,” Alasie explains. With a more serious tone, their eyes welling up, and their voice quivering a little, they confide, “I was actually starting to believe things would never turn around for me. Now, all at once, I have somebody to share my life with.” Then, suddenly aware of the awkwardness of the moment, they add, “I’m sorry Noor, I shouldn’t be bothering you with all this personal stuff.”  

“Come on Alasie, there’s no need to be embarrassed. You’re right to feel happy about having somebody special in your life.”  

Noor is not a close personal friend of Alasie, but others in their workplace who know Alasie well have remarked on how they have been transformed by this new relationship. Listening to Alasie now, Noor can see just how big a change it has been.  

Noor has been caught off guard by Alasie ’s sudden show of emotion, especially since Noor is still dumbfounded by some information they have recently heard. It’s a small world, and Noor’s partner Halil is in the same military unit as Luca. According to Halil, Luca is known to have had a very busy love life, and the rumour is that Luca recently acquired a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).  

Later, Noor mulls over her conversation with Alasie and wonders what to do.  

Categories

• Principles: Respect the Dignity of all Persons
• Values: Integrity
• Cultural themes: Integrity 
• Misconduct types: General Misconduct    
• GBA Plus themes: Not Specific   
• Audience: Defence Team 

Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the ethical principles of Respect the Dignity of all Persons in this scenario.  
• Discuss the ethical value of integrity in this scenario. 

Facilitation Questions

1. What is the problem in this scenario?   
   • Open group discussion. 
2. What considerations are at play with Respect the Dignity of all Persons to Defence Ethics and the CAF ethos?    
   • Open group discussion. 
   • Respect the Dignity of all Persons: We should avoid spreading unverified information about other’s personal life in the workplace, as it could harm their reputation, damage their relationships, and infringe upon their privacy.  This scenario presents an ethical dilemma as there could be potential harm to Alasie if they do not understand the reality of the situation they are involved in.  
   • Professional boundaries: Respecting the dignity of all persons includes maintaining professional boundaries. Noor should consider the impact of their actions on the workplace environment and ensure that their behavior is respectful and unbiased.   
3. Should Noor share the information they learned from their partner about Luca’s past relationship and health status with Alasie?  Should Noor maintain professional boundaries and not involve themselves in the personal lives of a colleague?  
   • Discuss if Noor should respect Luca’s privacy and not disclose any their personal information without consent. It is important to maintain confidentiality and not spread rumours or sensitive information.  
   • Discuss how Noor could maintain professional boundaries and not interfere in the personal lives of their colleagues unless there is a clear ethical or professional reason to do so.   
4. What should Noor do in this situation?  Why? 
   • Option 1.  Discuss their concerns with Alasie.  If Noor feels that Alasie’s safety or well-being may be at risk due to the information they have, they can approach Alasie respectfully, expressing their concern for Alasie’s health and happiness.  
   • Option 2: Do nothing. If Noor believes that the information they received is based on rumours or is not relevant to the current situation, they should continue to be a supportive colleague to Alasie without interfering in their personal life.