Case
25. Dual-Role Relationships within an Organization
Situation
Marlan Bethune, a sociologist who provides individual and group
counseling for an Employee Assistance Program, comes into contact with
most employees in the organization, since he not only provides
counseling for substance abuse and marriage problems, but also provides
skill assessments and wellness programs for all employees. He has been
asked by the CEO to serve on the personnel committee in the decision
making that will result in promotions and job eliminations.
(Modeled after case in Ethics
for Psychologists, p. 50)
Questions
Is Bethune's participation in the personnel
committee appropriate?
What ethical dilemma does Bethune face if he did
provide his insights about employees to the CEO and personnel committee?
In this situation in which his professional
obligation to his
employer is in conflict with his professional role as a clinical
sociologist, what are Bethune's options in this situation?
Reflect on the above questions and form your
own answers before clicking the discussion
key to review the commentary provided with this case.
Discussion
Dr. Bethune has made a commitment to the employees of this
organization. While he may be able to keep information about employees
confidential on this personnel committee and to have that information
not affect his own recommendations, the appearance of fairness is in
question here. It is inappropriate for Dr. Bethune to participate in a
personnel committee when decisions about promotion and termination will
be made, as requested by the company's CEO. Dr. Bethune has had a
preexisting professional relationship with the employees of the company
through the EAP; he has provided counseling and wellness programming.
He has likely obtained insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the
employees that he has counseled and is obligated to maintain
confidentiality of the information. Even if he did not disclose any
personal information about employees in a personnel committee, he would
be unable to make objective decisions about the promotion or
termination of an employee without compromising his role within the
EAP. To resolve this conflict of interest, Dr. Bethune would have to
refuse the request to become part of the personnel committee. In doing
so, it will be important for Dr. Bethune to explain to his CEO how such
a dual role within an organization would compromise his effectiveness
as an EAP counselor in which the confidentiality of employee
information is essential.
