volume_mute

Ethical Scenario: Conflicting Interpretations

publish date: 2026/06/06 23:08:32.549174 UTC

volume_mute

Consider this scenario:

You have taken a job with a software user who has contracted your previous employer to develop a system. You discover that your current employer's interpretation of the requirements is different from your previous employer's interpretation. You know that costs to your current employer will increase if the ambiguities are not resolved. However, you also have a confidentiality obligation to your previous employer.

What is the most professionally ethical course of action?

Inform your current employer that requirements ambiguities exist and encourage them to seek formal clarification from your previous employer through official contractual channels, without disclosing confidential information

Disclose all confidential information from your previous employer to your current employer immediately

Ignore the issue — it is not your responsibility since you changed employers

Quietly fix the interpretation yourself without telling anyone, to avoid conflict

Correct Answer

Explanation

The ethical course of action balances multiple obligations: duty to act in your current employer's interests (whose costs will increase), confidentiality to your previous employer, and professional integrity. The right approach is to flag the existence of the ambiguity and encourage formal clarification through proper contractual channels — without violating confidentiality.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 9th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Applied Requirements Engineering - Exercises