Dealing With Ethical Dilemmas

The workplace can bring about various ethical dilemmas. You may be an accountant who feels like they have a duty to fudge their client’s financial numbers to make them look more favorable. Or maybe you found out that a colleague used a company credit card for personal items.

These are issues that can make you stop and think: what do I do? What is the right thing to do in these situations? What is the wrong thing to do? It’s not always clear, and if you make the wrong choice, it can greatly affect you, your colleagues and managers, and even the entire company.

Even just one unethical act can have devastating consequences. And it’s not just licensed professionals who are facing the possible risks. Anyone in any position may deal with ethics on a regular basis.

It would be nice if we had a guide we could use to help us handle ethical situations. While there may not be such a thing, here are some steps to take to help you with your ethical GPS once you determine the dilemma.

Gather the Facts

When it comes to ethics, it’s important to make rational decisions that are based on truth, not guesses. Do not jump to conclusions. Be sure you understand all the context. This is especially true when you overhear conversations involving confidential information. You may need to have some difficult conversations.

Determine Who is Impacted

Who is affected by the ethical act? These are called stakeholders. Whether the outcome is positive or negative, figure out everyone who will be impacted in some way.

Determine Your Obligations

Do you have a professional license or are you in a role that requires enhanced ethical duties? If so, then you need to understand your obligations. You may be responsible to clients, company managers, investors, creditors, and others. A failure to uphold your professional duties can cause you to lose your job and/or your license.

Look at Your Options and Make a Decision

Once you determine that an ethical issue has occurred, outline your options. Then determine the pros and cons and pick the one that makes the most sense. This may not be easy. In some cases, there may not really be a right action, but you need to take some action. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut.

Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Administrative & Professional Licensing Lawyer

If you have a professional license, you need to do what you can to keep it. This means not only doing your job to the best of your ability, but also acting ethically in all business matters.

A Tampa administrative & professional licensing lawyer from The Law Offices of David P. Rankin, P.A. can help you deal with licensing issues. Since 1985, I have represented a variety of licensed professionals. Need help with an administrative issue? Schedule a consultation today. Call (813) 968-6633 or fill out the online form.

Source:

forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2022/02/04/let-an-ethical-gps-guide-your-way-navigating-finance-ethics/?sh=75ca69634714