Describe the ethical principle known as the Disclosure Rule using an example

A principle of business ethic is a guideline or rule which is applied when you are faced with an ethical dilemma, will assist you in making an ethical decision. Most notable is the fact that the Golden Rule and the Disclosure Rule are the top two ranking ethical principles among others.

The Disclosure Rule, which could be seen as complementary to the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you), moves the focus of attention to how others whose opinions you respect would regard your decision, action or behavior. According to the Disclosure Rule, you are probably on a sound ethical footing if you are still comfortable with a proposed action or decision after asking yourself whether you would mind if all your associates, friends, and family were aware of it. The concept of public exposure is powerful tool; and, though it does not provide ironclad assurance that you are acting ethically, it does provide some strong indication of how the action is likely to be viewed.

There are a number of useful ethical principles around should managers wish to use them. The three principles which are ranked highest are quite straightforward and easily understood – treat others as you want to be treated, do only what you would feel comfortable with if those whom you care most about knew it, and follow your intuition. However, the modern concern for principles of ethical decision making that are neatly wrapped in a ready-to-use package cannot really be met.