Blog 8 : Dealing with Unethical Behavior in "Workplace"

 Dealing with Unethical Behavior in  

"Workplace"

 

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It is very uncomfortable to experience unethical behavior even it is only a minor issue that can have serious consequences. Moreover people do not have the same ethical logics and perception which make them unsure if they should step in to take action. Yet after avoiding unethical action feeling could bring shame to the person later on. 

 

“The key is to not let either of those realities prevent you from making a rational decision” says James Detert, author of “ Why Employees Are Afraid to Speak" A lot of people who do not realize the coming outcome would think that “ It’s not a big deal. I don’t have all the information. This is someone else’s responsibility”. Detert also pointed out “think about how many times someone says ‘no big deal’ when it’s actually a big deal,”

Mary Gentile, author of Giving Voice To Valu  says “The key is to practice ahead of time, before a situation arrives so you’re ready when it does”

 

So what should you do when you cross pass that experience? 

Here are some simple methods you can practice below

 

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Collect Evidence and Rethink if the behavior is ethical

You can be suspected about something but before doing anything or whistleblowing on someone , you must make sure you not only having valid evidence and facts but also not using your emotion because false accusation might possible lower your credibility as well

Don’t gossip.

Gossiping is also an unethical move because the gossip might or might not be true but it already ruins someone’s credibility and reputation yet mostly it will ruin your own even if the gossip is true.

 

Ask questions, don’t accuse

In order to understand before accuse of that person to commit wrongdoing, one of the best things to do is to make sure your facts is valid and understand the whole story  by giving “GENUINE QUESTIONS” to show concern and want to help, that way that person will eventually open up about the truth if he/she believes you are taking their side.  People generally pick up on an accusatory tone and respond defensively. Remember, don’t make unfounded accusations.

 

Follow Company Procedure

If you want to report, you can follow company procedure first as an advice on reporting. Report your supervisor for colleague,  or always report someone who is above the person you want to report about. However, If you want to pursue it, you might make sure you are clear on company policy and schedule a meeting with your boss and again treat it as information gathering.

 

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Document

Take time to document if the unethical truth is confirmed to be unethical. Note and make copies about “what” you see, “who” is involved and “what have they done”. You can also record of relevant conversations and enlisting allies to support you if things go sideways.

 

Report’s pros and cons analyzing

Find clarity the risk in the scenario to help you to determine what steps to take before bringing the matter to someone's attention. If you ultimately find the risk is high, consider taking appropriate action. 

 

File a report but don’t forget to protect yourself

Consult your Human Resources department to determine the process for filing a report if the behavior is harming the company. Keep your emotions out of the report and don’t exaggerate. Simply report the facts and provide your evidence. Once it is in the hands of Human Resources, let it go. Do not discuss it with coworkers. Human Resources will take appropriate action.

 

When the Issue Goes Beyond Being Unethical

Actions that are beyond unethical means “ ILLEGAL” In these cases, you might need to deal with things different from just ethical issues. Perhaps the people behaving illegally are higher-ups in the company. If you raise the alarm, or whistleblowing, it’s a good idea to have legal representation because “ Whistleblowing”  can sometimes be dangerous for your career, so seeking legal help is important.

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Consider leaving company

After all, you might find this company not for you if unethical actions and issues still taking places. Unfortunately this might mean the company culture go against your morals. The best thing to do in this situation might be to move on and  find another job. 

But before leaving ask yourself these things first 

• Am I being asked to engage in unethical acts,

• Is it temporary or permanent? 

• Can I still  improve the situation?

• If actions might ruin your friendship with coworkers ?

• Can you still have pride in yourself and your work?

Conclusion 

Everybody wants to be in a pleasant place and situation but that place will not exist if we do not help each other to create them. Ignoring unethical issues will only make the situation worse. Company must normalize the norms to report but only in facts with evidence and the raise your voice to lower these issues. HR should be fair to investigate and support the brave ones who stand up to protect company's benefit and themselves.

My Reflection and Key Takeaway : 

Good employees do not want to work in an unethical workforce. Top managers and HR need to set up serious policies to prevent any kind of abuse. If there is any report of abuse or unfairness that impact works or employee’s mental, HRM should support and dig into the issues to keep peace in the company. Meanwhile employees must apply ethical methods though out their thinking, action, and even their work conduct as this will help everyone in the company work with each other happily and cooperate with each other. But if there is any unbearable abuse, as basic right, employee can report to seniors but with only facts. And the HRM must make sure that those reports are done with honesty and not with any bias.

 

References : 

• Gallo, A. (2015). How to Speak Up About Ethical Issues at Work. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2015/06/how-to-speak-up-about-ethical-issues-at-work.   ( Accessed Date : 06 Nov, 2023)

•  Indeed Editorial Team (2023). How To Handle Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace (With Tips). [online] Indeed Career Guide. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-handle-ethical-dilemma-in-the-workplace. .   ( Accessed Date : 06 Nov, 2023)

•  Khare, S. (2016). Dealing with Unethical Behavior in the Workplace: What to Do. [online] Careerbright.com. Available at: https://www.careerbright.com/career-self-help/dealing-unethical-behavior-workplace. ( Accessed Date : 06 Nov, 2023)

• Marketing (2021). Should You Leave a Job for Ethical Reasons? [online] Syntrio. Available at: https://www.syntrio.com/blog/should-you-leave-a-job-for-ethical-reasons/.

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