Sample Answer

Here are five such behaviors and the reasons for their selection:

1. Intentional Harm or Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals: This encompasses actions that deliberately cause physical, emotional, psychological, or financial harm to those in a weaker or dependent position. Examples include abuse of patients by healthcare providers, exploitation of children, or predatory financial practices targeting the elderly.

   • Reasoning: This violates the fundamental ethical principle of non-maleficence (do no harm) and the imperative to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It undermines trust, causes profound suffering, and can have long-lasting negative consequences for the individuals and society as a whole.

2. Breach of Confidentiality with Significant Negative Consequences: This involves the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive personal or professional information that leads to substantial harm, such as damage to reputation, job loss, or physical danger. Examples include a therapist revealing a patient’s suicidal ideations without proper justification, or a lawyer disclosing privileged client information to the opposing party.

   • Reasoning: This violates the ethical principle of fidelity (keeping promises and maintaining trust) and the right to privacy. It erodes the foundation of trust necessary for many professional relationships and can have devastating real-world impacts on individuals.

3. Fraud and Deception with Significant Impact: This includes intentional misrepresentation of facts for personal or organizational gain, resulting in significant financial loss, harm, or injustice to others. Examples include large-scale financial fraud, scientific misconduct involving fabricated data, or deceptive marketing practices that endanger public health.

   • Reasoning: This violates the ethical principles of veracity (truthfulness) and justice (fairness). It undermines the integrity of systems, erodes public trust in institutions, and can cause widespread economic and social damage