When representing an organization, what action is appropriate if a constituent's conduct could injure the organization?

• A. Always side with the constituent.
• B. Proceed in the organization's best interests and minimize disruption.
• C. Immediately resign from representation.
• D. Disclose confidences to outsiders.

Answer: (B)

When you represent an organization, your duties run to the organization itself, not to individual constituents. If someone's conduct within the organization could injure it, your role is to act in the organization’s best interests and try to keep things running with as little disruption as possible. This means advising on corrective steps, implementing prudent measures, and, if necessary, pursuing changes in the individual's role or behavior to protect the organization. You don’t take the side of the constituent at the expense of the organization, and you should protect confidences rather than disclose them to outsiders unless authorized or required by law. Resigning immediately isn’t the default move; you should first work to address the issue within the representation, withdrawing only if continuing would harm the organization or create an irresolvable conflict.