“Do the right thing” is a phrase popularized by noted radio psychologist Dr. Laura Schlessinger. On the radio it sounds easy, but in real life problems are far more complex. For example, if you are in PR or marketing and you are asked to promote a product that you personally oppose, such as cigarettes or alcohol, what is the right thing to do?
It is not illegal to support such products, millions of people purchase both every day. Moreover, there are other values to consider like the value of continuing to provide for home and hearth and your other on-going responsibilities. Sometimes one can negotiate a change of assignment, but not always. In such cases it comes down to the individual to make a hard choice that is the “right thing” either way.
“Just tell the truth” is another phrase one sometimes is advised to do in the face of an ethical dilemma. Like “do the right thing,” this also is not as easy as it sounds. In some circumstances there are serious legal risks, disclosure or privacy issues can come into play. At times though, public interest can override any of these issues and, if so, it comes down to the individual to make that hard choice.
We know of one situation where a crime was committed the effects of which threatened a large number of employees. Law enforcement officials did not want details of the crime reported. In that case the CEO risked jail time to advise employees what the situation was. Fortunately it turned out to be exactly the right thing to do, but it was not easy to see at the time.
In another instance a gas leak from an industrial plant compromised homeowner property. Despite instructions from the legal department to keep mum, the spokesperson chose to admit publicly what had happened and that the company would take responsibility for damages. In that case the spokesperson was rewarded for his effort, but in a different company facing the same circumstances, he would have been fired on the spot.
Codes of conduct can sometimes be a help in these situations. Typically they cover an organization’s value structure, information flow, competitive practices, disclosure, privacy, conflict of interest and other principles.
But whenever people set out to defraud, no code of conduct, statement of ethical principles or legal statutes are going to stop them. In our experience, companies like this are few and far between.
While correct ethical practices are not always easy to discern, there is one we think stands the test of time. If your contemplated action were to be reported on the front page of your local newspaper and you would be embarrassed about it, don’t do it!
To boost your business and learn more about our coaching service and ebook for entrepreneurs, email Martin Arnold mharnold@sbcglobal.net.
