Workplace ethical dilemma- how to handle skillfully

jayne

I would really appreciate some references, readings or thoughts on how to handle this situation in the most skillful way. I have been asked to do something at work which conflicts with my personal and professional ethics. It also goes against the ethical code of my profession.

I have followed the correct guidelines and bought this to the attention of my manager, citing the relevant ethical codes and consulting with senior colleagues (who all agree with me). It has escalated to a higher level and I have been told to do what has been asked.

I have asked for a meeting to explain my reasons but realistically I know they will not change their mind now as they will lose face. I do not wish to do what is asked, it is against everything I stand for in my profession. I also believe it has the potential to cause harm ( emotionally/mentally) to a number of people. It's not illegal, just unethical and immoral. If I refuse I will be directed to do it and if I continue to refuse it will cost me my job, which I truly love (I work with teenagers with mental illness)

the complication is that i have a very high paying job and it will place our family in a very, very difficult financial position. my husband supports my stance, but it will cause financial problems if I lose this job. I am completely clear that what they have asked of me is wrong but I have a concern that by placing my income in jeopardy I am not caring for my family properly. I am willing to leave my job over it, but I have a family to consider as well.

I would appreciate any readings that would help me decide how to manage this. whether I offer to resign, or whether I go through a stressful process of discipline procedures and get fired. They will not listen to reason or change their mind so genuine negotiation is not possible. I simply cannot see myself doing what they have asked and feeling at peace about it.

thanks in advance

Dazzle

Hi Jayne,

I've worked for 14 years as a teacher with teenagers with emotional and behavioral difficulties - you are welcome to pm me if you want to chat about what happened. Other than that, you don't really mention enough to be able to make any suggestions.

with kind wishes,

Dazzle

Cinorjer

There really aren't enough details to give you an answer, except that if you're not going to perform whatever it is due to ethical considerations, it's better to resign if you want an easier time getting another job in the same field without the discipline, but better to get the firing on record if you plan on fighting it or making a case for it being unfair. For something this serious, please see a lawyer with some experience in workplace litigation!

It's all in the details. Is this action you consider unethical normal duty and something your employer should expect, is your attitude about the action unusual or shared by most people, etc. Also, most companies have an HR department and there are lots of laws about how a company treats this sort of thing.

Definitely pay to talk to a lawyer before making a decision.

DharmaField

I have been asked to do something at work which conflicts with my personal and professional ethics. It also goes against the ethical code of my professional registering body.

The first thing is consult with your professional body as you alone are less powerfull. It is impossible to know what to advise without a detailed account and even then it is hard to judge with out knowing the other side of the story. But if this is a significant breach of ethical conduct, then your professional body may support you and go to bat on your behalf. If they tell you that you are being over sensitive and that in the big picture this is not such a big issue and happens all the time, then it might be cause to reflect on your view of things.

Moral choices are not easy ones, but given that your husband is supportive, etc. don't be scared to make big decisions, as it will empower you later on and you may not regret it. I was fired for taking a stand against the actions of a national managing partner for a large Chartered Accounting Co. Life was hard after it, but some months later, that CA office was sued for negligence and the settlement was several times its annual earnings, a year later I was head hunted for the job of Manager of my section in that office - I declined - but now I am pleased about what I did.

fivebells

No advice on your specific question, but it would be sensible to immediately start looking for a job which aligns more closely with your values.

federica

make sure you have a paper trail, document everything and ensure you register your reluctance and objections in writing.
Make it known you follow these directives under strong protest and if brought to account during any possible repercussions you will not hesitate to defend yourself as appropriate.
Again, given the info you've given us, that's all I can advise.

But if you're worried about kamma - don't be. Kamma is volitional action, and if I were the Buddha, I'd have sympathy for your plight.

seeker242

What have you been asked to do?

jayne

thankyou for your comments, it really does help to get some feedback.

I'm not going to write all the details online. It's certainly not a normal duty and I'm following all the correct processes in managing it.
the specific details are not important to this discussion as I have already taken all the steps to check I am using good judgment and acting appropriately. My refusal is correct, it is the consequences that are of concern, and how I deal with them skillfully.

I guess it is a clear indication that this workplace is not the right one for me if I am seeking 'right livelihood', the work is right, the workplace is not.

I will be receiving some more advice from my professional body today and I have started looking for more work. I will get some legal advice, however I do not have the emotional energy for a legal battle.

"But if you're worried about kamma - don't be. Kamma is volitional action" thankyou, part of my confusion is that in doing the 'right' thing to avoid harm to others, I place my own family in a position of harm/ financial difficulty, if that makes sense. some reference to some texts would be great if anyone has any suggestions.

Dazzle

Hi Jayne,

I am not sure what sort of references in the texts that you are seeking. The Buddha gave a laypersons code of discipline in the Singalovada Sutta here:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.31.0.nara.html

There are also contemplations on the Four Sublime States(Brahma Viharas) of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity here:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel006.html

kind wishes,

D.

federica

Sometimes, some values have to be compromised for certain principles.
If you talk to your family and explain everything, it's likely (in my experience) that they would rather bite the bullet and do the right thing, rather than see you become stressed and overwrought by this issue.
I would urge you to (as far as is possible) have a family conference and discuss your concerns.

Barra

Make a plan that makes the most sense for you and that you and your family are comfortable with. You don't need to take legal action. Make a plan to go work somewhere else. It may take some time, but you will have a course of action. When I was sacked I hired a good lawyer who helped me get a slightly larger settlement. I had already decided on the amount that I needed (to pay his bill and some other expenses) he made sure that this was really what I wanted and he suggested that I could take it to court, but like you, I did not want the situation hanging over me for an unknown period of time.

Mountains

Hi Jayne,

You don't specify what kind of organization it is you work with, but I'm wondering if there is any kind of an ethics panel or committee you could go to? I know in health care in the US, we have those types of panels/committees that handle things like this. Barring that, you could speak with someone in a governmental oversight capacity that has governance over your organization - if there is one.

I've been in similar situations before, only I didn't have the luxury of knowing before hand what was coming down. It was an on-the-fly type thing, and unfortunately it didn't end up well for the patient and his family (he died). It haunts me to this day, although I know I did, or at least tried to do the right thing for him. Sadly, the perpetrator got clean away with what he did, and continues to practice to this day.

Ultimately, one has to decide whether one's job is worth one's conscience, and that's a tough call no one can make for you. I surely wish you the best of luck with it. Please let us know what happens..

[DeletedUser]

IMO, any course of action that potentially cause harm ( emotionally/mentally) to a number of people is to avoid. Peaceful and harmony are the only long lasting way to happy life. :buck: