THE BIG ETHICAL QUESTIONS: Professional Jurisdiction

BY SANDY BOTTOMS ON CULTURE

It's out of your jurisdiction. You have the opportunity to do some good. But you are overstepping the bounds. How do you handle justice from where you are?

Take an example from work. If you are aware of a coworker who has violated company policies, should you report it? And why? Is it better to see someone fired, in today's job market?

I was recently made aware of a delicate situation at a friend's work. A doctor on staff at a private practice was caught stealing prescription Oxycontin and other pain medications. He was under suspicion, and a hidden camera was used to catch him. He is in personal debt. He has a family. He broke the law. You work with him each day and you know that what he is doing is wrong. Are you the one to intervene? When you work for a company, what is your true responsibility, and what can you gain or lose in the process?

Consider whether it is any of your business. Are you required to be a good Samaritan and report wrongdoings? Also, what if you have a personal connection with the coworker? Should you turn a blind eye and hurt the company? Or should you report it, lose the relationship, and lose the employee? You may be required by law to report corruption at work. But does this mean you always will?

Try warning them. Try informing them that you are aware they are doing it, perhaps. Tell them of the position it puts you in, and let them know that you are in the position to do something about it. You could nip it before it becomes a problem. If drugs or other abuses are going on at work, you may be able to stop them by addressing them directly.

But you have been put in a terrible position. Protecting a friend or coworker from being fired, or even jailed, is quite possibly beyond the call of duty. And as a whistle-blower, you may earn some resentment from other employees. Now they will be cautious around you. When they know that you are the type who can't keep secrets, they may not let you in on certain meetings. They may prevent you from advancing in the company. They may edge you out before you discover more trouble.

So at what point do you turn a blind eye? What is your own personal confidentiality agreement? And is it working?