Speaking Up or Staying Silent: Whistleblower

Delve into the challenging world of workplace ethics with this comprehensive lab on whistleblowing. Through interactive scenarios, writing prompts, and thought-provoking activities, students will explore the ethical, personal, and professional dilemmas whistleblowers face.

Scenario: In the featured scenario, students follow Emma, a senior engineer at a medical device company, who discovers a critical defect in a cardiac monitor that could endanger patients. With management ignoring her concerns, Emma must decide whether to speak up, risking her career, or stay silent and hope for the best.

The lab covers key ethical principles such as justice, loyalty, and responsibility, helping students critically evaluate complex situations. They will learn how to analyze potential consequences, assess risks, and weigh the impacts of their decisions on themselves, their organization, and society.

Activities include:

• A detailed case study with realistic dialogues.
• Worksheets to evaluate possible outcomes and ethical principles.
• Writing prompts to encourage reflection and deeper understanding.
• An auto-gradable final assessment to reinforce learning.

With a focus on real-world applications, this lab equips students with the skills to navigate ethical challenges in any professional setting, fostering critical thinking and responsible decision-making. Perfect for high school and college courses in ethics, business, or workplace studies.