Raising Ethical Issues at

Work
Writer Mary Gentile offers a beginner's guide to
doing the right thing when something isn't quite
right
By Mary Gentile

Responding to intense pressure for short-term results,

people working for corporations often cut corners that
they shouldn't. We use all kinds of rationalizations to
excuse these behaviors—everything from "everyone
does it" to "nobody's getting hurt by this" to "I'd get fired if
I complained."
Most of us want to behave ethically, and we also know
when something isn't right. But it can be very hard to
speak up in support of our beliefs. In recent years, I've
explored the question of how people behave in ethically
compromised situations. My observations—along with a
whole raft of research in the fields
of social psychology, cognitive neuroscience,
and behavioral economics—have helped me to
understand what conditions make it easier to speak up
effectively. I describe my findings in an article in this
month's HBR, "Keeping Your Colleagues Honest."
Here's how you can deal with ethical issues in the
workplace.
First, realize that ethical dilemmas are a normal and
predictable part of your job. Every manager, every
finance officer, every marketing professional has to sort
out complex (or not so complex) ethical issues. It goes
with the territory, and recognizing this reduces the stress
that can limit your confidence and capability to address
these issues effectively.
Next, treat an ethical issue like any other business issue.
Don't make self-righteous little speeches; instead,
marshal your evidence and arguments, figure out who
you need to talk to, and then make a strong business
case for doing the right thing.
Third, tackle the rationalizations head-on. If "everyone
really does it," why do we have a policy against this
behavior? If "it's not hurting anyone," why have
customers sued other companies for this same practice?
And so on.
Fourth, learn to play to the psychological biases of your
listeners. For example, people have trouble focusing on
long-term consequences, so try to identify short-term
wins that would result from more ethical behavior. How
you frame a problem makes a difference. Participants in
a recent class discussion about a potential product recall
over safety concerns became more open to the idea
when the question put to them focused on how they
could craft a message for the press and the buying
public, rather than whether that message was the ethical
approach to the situation.
When raising an ethical issue, people seem to be most
effective when they script what they'll say and how they'll
proceed. It often helps to get some peer coaching, as
well. It occurred to me recently that it might be interesting
to do some scripting and peer coaching in this space
(anonymously, where appropriate).
With that in mind, I invite you to share a story of a time
when you found a persuasive argument or approach for
voicing your values. Alternatively, share a situation you're
thinking about right now (with details disguised, of
course) and invite suggestions from peers for how to deal
with it.

Code of Ethics

As an IT professional, I am committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, and
agree to be guided by this code of ethics.

Professionalism
I will maintain professional conduct in the workplace, and will not allow personal feelings or beliefs to
cause me to treat people unfairly or unprofessionally.

Personal Integrity
I will be honest in my professional dealings, and forthcoming about my competence and the impact of my
mistakes. I will seek assistance from others when required.
I will avoid conflicts of interest and biases whenever possible. When my advice is sought, if I have a
conflict of interest or bias, I will declare it if appropriate, and recuse myself if necessary.

Privacy
 I will access private information on computer systems only when it is necessary in the course of my
technical duties. I will maintain and protect the confidentiality of any information to which I may have
access regardless of the method by which I came into knowledge of it.

Laws and Policies

I will educate myself and others on relevant laws, regulations and policies regarding the performance of
my duties.

Communication
I will communicate with management, users and colleagues about computer matters of mutual interest. I
will strive to listen to and understand the needs of all parties.

System Integrity
I will strive to ensure the necessary integrity, reliability, and availability of the systems for which I am
responsible.
I will design and maintain each system in a manner to support the purpose of the system to the
organization.

Education
I will continue to update and enhance my technical knowledge and other work-related skills. I will share
my knowledge and experience with others.

Responsibility to Computing Community

I will cooperate with the larger computing community to maintain the integrity of network and computing
resources.

Social Responsibility
As an informed professional, I will encourage the writing and adoption of relevant policies and laws
consistent with these ethical principles.

Ethical Responsibility
I will strive to build and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive workplace.
I will do my best to make decisions consistent with the safety, privacy, and well-being of my community
and the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might pose unexamined risks or dangers.
I will accept and offer honest criticism of technical work as appropriate and will credit properly the
contributions of others.
I will lead by example, maintaining a high ethical standard and degree of professionalism in the
performance of all my duties. I will support colleagues and co-workers in following this code of ethics.

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the

Workplace
Honesty, Confidentiality and Hard Work Will Earn Employee's the Respect
They Deserve

Very few people can honestly say that they have landed their dream job. Many
of us work for companies we do not particularly like and with people we cannot
wait to get away from at the end of the day. People stay in their jobs mainly for
the financial security, so that they can provide for themselves and their families.
But in order to be more successful, how can employees develop and maintain
their integrity in the workplace?
How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #1 Do not steal your
employer's time

If your work hours are between 9:00am-5:00pm do not show up at 9:10am and
then clock off early at 4:30pm, unless you have prior permission to do so due to
a doctor's appointment or some other valid reason. Over one month, regularly
missing 40 minutes a day amounts to over 13 hours that you have stolen from
your employer. Employees who receive an hourly wage will need to fill in a time
sheet that details the days and hours that they have worked. So if you have not
worked the full 8 hours for that day, do not lie. Fill in the hours you have been
present. Who knows, a generous boss may even allow you the extra money if
you are honest enough to admit you did not work the hours you should have
done but you agree to make it up later on.

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #2 Never bad mouth

your employer

Even after work hours, you should be careful of what you say about your
employer. If you visit a public place, such as a restaurant, and then start talking
badly about your employer, chances are, someone who knows your employer
may hear you and repeat what you have said. Disloyal employees are not wanted
and are often given their marking papers before long. So even if you do not
personally like your employer, keep your thoughts to yourself. Unburden
yourself to a close family member such as your spouse, but do not talk about
problems you are having at work in a public place.

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #3 Maintain

confidentiality

It is not just the medical profession that insists upon client confidentiality. Many
other fields, such as nursing homes and banks also expect their employees to
keep work related issues confidential. Once you have signed a contract, you
have agreed to abide by the company's policies and procedures that are related
to confidentiality. Breaching these rules, except with prior permission and under
very special circumstances, will result in dismissal.

How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #4 Be industrious

Have you ever noticed how lazy employees seem to have more to complain
about than those who are industrious? The fact is, that even very boring
professions can be easier to handle if employees are industrious and get their
work completed. It will also make the day go by more quickly for them, rather
than drag along.
How to Maintain Your Integrity in the Workplace #5 Do not take too
many breaks

This point is linked to #1. If the company policy only allows one 15 minute
break at 10:30am and then a 30 minute lunch break from 12:00pm-12:30pm, be
careful to follow these rules. Do not exceed these times or take more breaks
than it is necessary to take, or you risk incurring the displeasure of your
colleagues as well as your employer.

Employees who maintain their integrity and who give their employer an honest
day's work are more likely to gain their employer's respect and be assigned
more responsibility in the company. They will be the ones who will be
remembered when promotions come around and added bonuses will come with
that. But most important of all, they will have a better conscience and feel more
secure in their job if they are careful to maintain their integrity within the
workplace.