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The workplace can be a minefield of dilemmas, ranging from lapses in ethical behaviour to fretting over whether to go for a promotion. The Cubicle Jungle is your chance to weigh in on the issue at hand. Responses might be edited for clarity and concision. Please submit a 100-word-or-less response to:

bizethics@globeandmail.com

This week's question:

A reader asks:

One of your highly regarded workers has been on a paid maternity leave for three months and the work is piling up. You inquire at a local agency about a temporary replacement and somebody there tells you in confidence that she has been doing contract work from her home through the agency. What do you do?

The last question

A reader asked: I belong to the LinkedIn online network, which keeps me informed about what my business associates and acquaintances are up to. Recently, I noticed that one of my friends is now connected to some people who could become good business prospects for myself. Is it acceptable practice for me to contact those people and offer my services to them?

The responses

LinkedIn ethics are very interesting. I would suggest two things: If you are worried about your friendship then ask your friend to "introduce" you via LinkedIn. Secondly, don't offer your services if they aren't required. Similarly to blogger relations, you should first establish a dialogue showing an interest in what they do rather than offering them a service they may not want.

Matthew John, Hamilton

You could have contacted the business any time and offered your services, even before your friend had a connection there. Since you didn't, you must be expecting this friend to put in a good word for you, and thus increase your chances of a positive response. It would be wise to call her first to ascertain (a) if she is in a position to influence executive decisions, (b) if she is willing to give you a favourable reference and (c) if she can give you any hints to increase your chances of being successful in your quest. Linking websites can be helpful, but they can't replace personal contact.

Carolyn Tytler,

St. Catharines, Ont.

As a courtesy, first discuss your intentions with your friend privately. He or she may be willing to "screen" and assess the prospects of each of the contacts as well as to introduce and recommend you to them before you make the initial contact. This will improve your probability of developing a successful long-term business relationship with each of them. Be prepared to receive solicitations and requests for information from them as well.

Bill Somes, Sarnia, Ont.

Given you have a degree of discomfort about contacting these possible prospects, why not check with your friend who may be willing to share your information with these people. If not, perhaps you can post a general message indicating what you and your business have to offer.

Mary Valentich, Calgary

You seem to have missed an ethical nuance or two when you joined LinkedIn. If your friend invites you into his professional sphere, there is the expectation that you respect protocol and make any initial contacts through that invitation. Your cavalier notion that you can run roughshod suggests that you don't respect your friend or the innovative means LinkedIn uses to enhance the old approach to networking. Play by the rules and just maybe you will be able to extend your professional reach; bulldoze your way in and expect a well-deserved comeuppance.

Bill Engleson,

Denman Island, B.C.

Provided you are not involved in a shady or illegal business you have every right to contact people who are legitimate business prospects, and who might benefit from the goods or services your company has to offer. Your LinkedIn online network is simply the electronic version of good old-fashioned networking, and there's nothing wrong with approaching such contacts with a business proposition. Go for it - they can always say: "No thanks."

Gordon S. Findlay, Toronto

What is ethical depends on whether your friend is in the same business or not. If you are not competing, you should let him know your plans and contact these people. If he is in the same business, your contacting them will not be right. All may be fair in love and war, but only if you do not value your friendship.

Sudhir Jain, Calgary

What's your dilemma?

Are you, or somebody you know, confronting a dilemma at work? Let Globe Careers readers help you work through the problem. Send your dilemmas to:

bizethics@globeandmail.com

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