Final answer:
a) Violated the NAR Code of Ethics
Sharlene likely violated the NAR Code of Ethics by sharing personal information about another licensee's private life with colleagues. Ethical judgments should be informed by relevant, professional observations rather than personal matters. In her case, she did not observe any misconduct related to professional duties.
Step-by-step explanation:
REALTOR Sharlene has likely violated the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Code of Ethics by sharing personal information about Nick's personal life with her colleagues. The NAR Code of Ethics requires that REALTORS® treat all parties to a transaction honestly and that they maintain the confidentiality of their clients. Sharlene's actions could be seen as unprofessional if they're based on personal matters, rather than Nick's professional abilities or conduct directly relating to real estate transactions.
Comparing Scenarios for Ethical Judgment
When making ethical judgments, context is critical. For example, if approached by a woman with a gun chasing your neighbor, your duty to protect your neighbor from harm might outweigh telling the truth, especially if the individual seems to be in immediate danger and the information could jeopardize their safety. However, if the woman is a police officer and you have observed your neighbor with items that may suggest a crime, it is ethical to consider your observations and possibly assist the police officer.
In Sharlene's case, she has not observed misconduct related to Nick's professional duties; therefore, her warning may be based on personal matters, which isn't in line with the NAR Code of Ethics aimed at maintaining professional integrity in real estate practices.