Ethics & Governance: Analyzing Maureen's Data Handling Case

This case study delves into the ethical dilemma faced by Maureen, an employee at a state government department dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Maureen is tasked with compiling a report using confidential client data, leading her to transfer the data to a personal pen drive, which she subsequently misplaces, thus violating the ACS code of ethics. The analysis uses Thomas White's methodology to explore the consequences of her actions, propose solutions, and recommend preventative measures. The study emphasizes the importance of ethical awareness, adherence to professional codes, and seeking guidance when faced with ethical challenges. The document concludes with recommendations for Maureen, including consulting colleagues, understanding ethical principles, and following legitimate procedures to avoid future breaches. Desklib provides access to similar case studies and solved assignments for students.

MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Discussion of the problem 3
Solution of the problem 3
Recommendation for the problem 4
Conclusion 4
Reference 5

Introduction
This assignment is based on Maureen who works in a state government department that deals
with drugs and alcohol abuse. She has been asked to make a report of last five years patients
of that department regarding their treatment, criminal records etc. Because of the deadline she
takes pressure and downloads all the data files in her computer then transfers in her pen drive.
She forgets the pen drive in her home which is breaking of ACS code of ethics. The
assignment deals with the dilemma of Maureen and how she resolves it. Recommendation is
also made for Maureen regarding her issues.
Discussion of the problem
The problem lies with Maureen who violated the ACS code of ethics when she transfers all
her confidential official data in her pendrive and then she took it home. Under the ACS Code
of Ethics in accordance with NR4.3.6 where it is mentioned a person must take opinions from
their colleagues or seniors before taking any decision (Burmeister, 2017). This ethical code
has been broken by Maureen when she without any prior permission from her seniors took
decision of her own and takes the confidential data in her home (Leicester, 2016). The
information of the clients which Maureen transfers in a pendrive can be damaged or anybody
can steal it from her house which will be problematic for her.
Solution of the problem
According to Thomas Whites methodology regarding ethical dilemma of solving a problem
there are three steps to solve the ethical dilemma. The first one is to analyse the consequences
of the problem. When ethical code is broken then it is necessary to assume the consequences
so one can prepare for the future consequences (Al-Saggaf, Burmeister and Schwartz, 2017).
In this the question arises that who are the people who will get hurt because of the problem.
The solution for this step is to lists all the people who are related to the problem so that steps
can be taken to avoid the consequences. The second step is to analyse the action. Now after
analysing the consequences off the problem and calculating the risk factor of the problem it is
important to think about the actions which are important to solve the issues (Knapp, Gottlieb
and Handelsman, 2015). The actions have to be in accordance with dignity, honesty, morals,
equality etc. The last step of Thomas Whites Methodology is to make a decision regarding
the solution of the problem. After calculating the consequences of the problem where the
consequences are being identified and analysing the action it is important to make a final

decision (Mistry et al. 2015). This concludes about the steps that could be taken in order to
solve the ethical dilemma issues and also the precautions that shall be taken in the future.
Recommendation for the problem
After knowing the situation of Maureen it is recommended that she should discuss this
problem with one of her colleague who can suggest ideas for this issue. She should not be
biased while doing any task nor should she get worried for her deadline of her task. It is also
recommended that she should find out the ethical principles which are involved in the
existing problem. It is also recommended for Maureen that she should do everything in
legitimate procedure keeping in mind that she is doing something legal. She should not be in
a hurry for something and should handle situations carefully (Shapiro and Stefkovich, 2016).
Another recommendation for Maureen is that she should be aware of the ACS code of
conduct and all its rules and regulations. She should follow all the code of conduct which is
mentioned. In future before doing any legal work it is very important to make a rough
framework of the given task so that she won’t be in a hurry and make mistakes. Even when
she have done this mistake by breaking the ACS code of ethics it is recommended that she
should take the help of her seniors who will be able to guide her properly.
Conclusion
In this research it has been concluded that Maureen who is working with government breaks
the ACS code of ethics when she transfer all the legal confidential data in her pendrive and
then she left it in her home. Solutions have been provided for her ethical dilemma with the
help of Thomas Whites Methodology. Some of the recommendation has been made for
Maureen for the problem by which she will be able to fix her current issues and also the
recommendation will make her aware from the next time. All the problems of Maureen have
been resolved through solution and recommendation in the above context.
Reference
Al-Saggaf, Y., Burmeister, O.K. and Schwartz, M., 2017. Qualifications and ethics
education: the views of ICT professionals. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 21.
Burmeister, O.K., 2017. Professional ethics in the information age. Journal of Information,
Communication and Ethics in Society, 15(4), pp.348-356.

Knapp, S.J., Gottlieb, M.C. and Handelsman, M.M., 2015. Ethical dilemmas in
psychotherapy: Positive approaches to decision making. American Psychological
Association.
Leicester, N., 2016. Ethics in the IT Profession: Does a Code of Ethics have an Effect on
Professional Behaviour?.
Mistry, J., Berardi, A., Bignante, E. and Tschirhart, C., 2015. Between a rock and a hard
place: ethical dilemmas of local community facilitators doing participatory research projects.
Geoforum, 61, pp.27-35.
Shapiro, J.P. and Stefkovich, J.A., 2016. Ethical leadership and decision making in
education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas. Routledge.