Management The cost of being ethical
| The cost of being ethical |
| Written by Cindy Payle | |||
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How should we address unethical behaviour in the workplace? Whether its stealing stationary or company profits many employees are confronted with unethical behaviour on a daily basis and feel at a loss to deal with it. In his video David Batstone provides practical steps to addressing this common issue. “What should you do if you observe wrongdoing or unethical behaviour in the workplace?” In his 3 minute video titled ‘Unethical behaviour at work’ David Batstone provides practical steps to addressing and combating inappropriate or dishonest behaviour at work. Batstone says that when we witness unethical behaviour we should first address the person who is engaging in this activity. He emphasises the importance of expressing our discomfort to the person involved, whether this unethical behaviour violates our conscience, the law or company policy. Find an alternative to participating (whether directly or indirectly) in this activity suggests Batstone. However, he warns employees ‘to keep away from the personal part of this”. In other words do not judge the person, and avoid phrases such as ‘you are unscrupulous’ or ‘immoral’. These accusatory remarks will lead to a personal conflict and create a “you” verse “them” scenario. Instead Batstone encourages employees to suggest ways that the situation can be improved to better the interaction between the clients, department or the company as a whole. The aim is to focus on changing the activity in a positive way. According to Batstone “Whistle blowing” should be the very last resort. This is a term commonly used to describe a person who tells the public or someone in authority about alleged dishonest or illegal activities which have occurred in a company. He urges individuals to explore other options before considering such an extreme step. Depending on the gravity of the situation and the position of the person involved whistle blowers face the risk of losing their jobs. Those who go outside the company and publicize the criminal or unethical behaviour will more than likely be fired and potentially face being black-marketed by the industry itself, hampering employment says Batstone. Acting with conviction or from a conscience is admirable, but those who choose to be whistle blowers may face dire consequences, which must be kept in mind. So should you tell? David Batstone speaks about the fate of those who remain ethical in a world where honest practices seem to be on a downward spiral. Share this article 
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