THE PROBLEM

This week we’re talking about a work situation that “Julia” is facing…

She works is in the field of social welfare, helping people in great need.
And she recently intercepted a message that was meant only for a colleague…  She was at the office printer, picking up some documents, and inadvertently found an email that a workmate had printed out…   The subject of the email was troubling – someone was asking her colleague to delete the case history of one of their clients.  We can’t disclose too much detail but “Julia” says that basically, some wrongs would be struck from the record and a vulnerable person could end up being wronged or disadvantaged as a result.

Now Julia’s stuck, wondering what she should do. She feels a professional and moral obligation to do something about it…  But she’s not sure if it’s right to step in on someone else’s business…

Let’s give “Julia” some second opinions. Share your thoughts below.

DISCUSSION POINTS

• Julia feels there could be a reason she came across this email and maybe she should act on it.

• But if she does, what is the best way to go about it?

• Does she talk to the person who received the instructions, and urge them not to do what they’re being asked to do (ie delete records)?

• Should she talk to the writer of the email, and confront them?

• Or should she talk to someone in higher authority – management perhaps?

• If she does step in and say something, it could become quite a serious matter, and she says it may actually lead to her being subpoenaed to give evidence in court…

• However - Is there a chance Julia’s over-reacting? Is she perhaps sticking her nose in where it isn’t wanted? After all she works with professionals who know what they’re doing; maybe she is seeing things from a one-sided point of view.

• What’s more she has picked up and read a private email that wasn’t meant for her. Surely there’s ethical problems with that alone.

• Can she, or indeed should she, walk away from the situation? Is that turning a blind eye?

EXPERT OPINION

Tonight’s expert is Dean Newland, from consulting firm McGrathNicol. He’s their “Director of Forensic Accounting”. His work involves setting up integrity systems, to safeguard against workplace fraud and misconduct. Dean suggests a six-point ethical framework to decide what action to take.

Does the behaviour you have seen promote the following six things? And does your response promote these?

1. Dignity
2. Equity
3. Prudence
4. Honesty
5. Openness
6. Goodwill

Julia’s proposal to talk to her employer, does seem to promote those things. It’s honest, it promotes dignity and equity for the client, and promotes good will for both the client and the organisation. In fact from a legal perspective she may actually be responsible to report the situation.

In most organisations with a healthy culture you should feel safe to report something to a manager. If not, then report it anonymously.