Dealing with Corruption
It is a sad day when you realize you work for a corrupt organization. They may be falsifying the books to entice more investors or something less sinister like keeping critical information from the board of directors. Either way you are faced with an ethical dilemma. Do you allow the corruption to continue or risk your job by saying something? This is not an easy decision, especially during times like these of high unemployment. No matter what your decision, someone will suffer. It may be an investor who looses their investment. An employee who is buying company stock because all of the reports indicate this is a strong and safe company.
You may loose your job by trying to change these unethical and criminal practices. If the scheme is exposed, many of your co-workers and friends may also face unemployment. There are no easy answers, but it is important to understand what may happen if you turn away and do nothing. If there is criminal activity, you may be charged as a co-conspirator. You may be found innocent, but you will need to hire a lawyer requiring you to pay a sizable retainer.
You also need to understand the potential damage to your morale psyche. Corruption develops slowly, much like the cooking of a frog. You don’t believe you are in trouble until it is too late. You wake up one morning and discover that you have strayed far from your ethical and honest destination. It is easy to happen when you are facing financial hardships. You may justify your actions by telling yourself that you will only be unethical for a short time. Just until this recession is over. You may be telling yourself that you are saving your employees from unemployment, but at what cost?
Yes corruption is a slippery slope. It is much easier to continue sliding down, then get off and climb back up. If you find yourself in this dilemma, seek advise from a trusted friend AND legal counsel. You are facing high risk and need sound advise. Do not follow a knee jerk reaction. These decisions will shape your future!
Ken Bear Cole
A Second Look Business Consulting LLC
