Situations at Work 8: Ethical Challenge to Report or Not

I occasionally share situations at work and ask you to share  you comments and opinions

Today’s situation presents an ethical challenge for co-workers. Frequently, people work with others that do not give a full-days work for the salary. Some, in today’s workplace, seem to work extraordinary hours giving their full power the entire time. Others seem to play Angry Birds, connect on Facebook, peruse web sites, and go home early.

Lazy and Deceitful Co-Worker

Ben worked on a skunks works project for the company. The project provided Ben with a high-profile jumpstart to his career. He worked well on the pilot, but collaborating with another division. His assignment expected him to work on his own. It allowed him to discretionary time without supervision. He delivered good results and the pilot became a program.

He created a situation that allowed two bosses to each think he worked for the other. Consequently, no one supervised him. In addition, he worked in two different locations unsupervised. Unfortunately, Ben took advantage of the leniency for personal benefit. He would take off during the day to shop for a new home. He would start and end the day at work, then go home to play with his children and be with his wife.

You work in a different division that also collaborated on the pilot. You recognize what is happening. In addition, you know that he withheld negative side affects of the pilot to make it look good. He is currently encouraging headquarters to invest $70,000 in electronic technology.

Options to Consider

You consider the following options:

• Tell your supervisor who works for a different division than Ben’s
• Report to his supervisor who is your peer in the other division
• Report to the other member of the pilot who is not Ben’s supervisor. Unfortunately, you have a bad past history with that person.
• Do not say anything to anyone, because it is not your responsibility

What Would You Do?

Please share your comments, suggestions, or additional options. We want your ideas.

Wednesday we will share some real successes at work that can inspire your career