Corporate Ethics: When Bosses Ask to Do Harmful Tasks
The Ethical Dilemma in Corporate Life
As a corporate professional, one's ethics often face a challenging test, especially when dealing with difficult bosses. Two stark examples highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by many in the professional world, where the line between compliance and integrity blurs. These situations not only test the resilience of one’s professional ethics but also can have significant legal and career repercussions.
Falsifying Revenue Numbers for a Rosier PL
One of the most disturbing requests a boss can make is to falsify financial reports or revenue numbers, particularly in order to create an artificially positive picture of a company's or subsidiary's financial health. This demand was made by my previous boss, who asked me to alter the financial statements of a subsidiary to appear more optimistic than it really was.
While the temptation to succumb to such a request might be great because of job security, professional consequences and personal ethics should always take precedence. The reality in this case was that I refused to do so. Instead, feeling uncomfortable and endangered, I looked for a new job elsewhere. This experience highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s professional integrity, no matter the pressure.
Diverting Emails to a Private Account
In a different but equally challenging scenario, I found myself in a regulated industry where my boss required me to transfer all his emails to his personal Gmail account. While the specific reasons behind this action might not have been apparent at first glance, the underlying concern was that such a practice could easily be used to devise fraudulent activities, given the boss's access to sensitive information.
It was my refusal to comply with this request that led to my termination. This incident underscores the thin line between maintaining convenience and compromising on principles. It also serves as a reminder that corporate ethical standards must be upheld at all times, even when it means standing against authority.
Conclusion: Upholding Professional Ethics
The ethical dilemmas faced in the workplace are numerous and can be deeply testing. As a corporate professional, it's crucial to maintain high standards of integrity, even in the face of challenging and unethical requests from bosses. By upholding these principles, one not only protects their professional reputation but also contributes to the overall integrity and ethical climate of the workplace.
Regardless of the specific circumstances, integrity must remain the cornerstone of every professional’s approach. Adhering to ethical standards ensures not only the fulfillment of one's responsibilities but the long-term sustainability and success of organizations.