4 Answers

The tension between the need to maintain control over personal information and others may hold back because of concerns about the privacy and confidentiality to protect the feelings of others.

13 years ago. Rating: 8
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Today in the workplace confidentiality is not expected but  a breach of duty if not upheld (that is in my place of work) we treat everyone as though they may carry AIDS, to ensure the privacy of those that actually have it, the list is endless, and the only time this may be breached is if someone may be considered a danger to themselves or others, though this is also handled professionally and discreetly as possible

13 years ago. Rating: 4
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Maintaining confidentiality means being trustworthy.  If someone has told you something which you are not to repeat, if and when you repeat it, you are going to damage the relationship.  THAT is the answer to your question. 
Another potential tension is that if the "secret" NEEDS to be reported, YOU will be stressed if you keep it to yourself knowing you shouldn't. THAT is ANOTHER answer to your question.  
Summary:  You are stressed out keeping the secret or you hurt, possibly irrevocably, the friendship with the one who trusted you to keep quiet.

If the information you have NEEDS to be reported, you are under an obligation to do so.  You could do so anonymously, or you could request that the "authority" you report to keeps your name confidential.  That may or may not be possible.  Your name could come up; why couldn't those people keep a secret and not say you were the source???

Do you see the problem starting?  IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO BREAK THE CONFIDENTIALITY FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING, tell the person who confided in you that you are compelled to say something.  Perhaps the two of you can figure out a way to do this with the least amount of repercussions.  DON'T GO BEHIND YOUR CONFIDER'S BACK .

12 years ago. Rating: 3
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To me the problem with this issue is that often times someone is more hurt because something is not shared with another agency etc.  Confidentiality is a wide spread problem.  That's another reasons we've seen whole companies fall.  Something was kept confidential and when it's found out all h breaks loose.  I don't know how many times I have heard people say, "this kid was failed by the system."  "We didn't know this, We didn't know that.  We should have done this."  Now you're getting into one of my pet peeves. 

12 years ago. Rating: 2
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