Unethical Behavior in the Workplace

The following story provides an example of a boss behaving unethically. This bosses behavior was harassing in nature as well as dishonest and her subordinate endured unjustified and unfair treatment.

Jill worked for a large software company in the greater Boston area. She was well liked and always completed her assignments on time. Jill’s boss Marina learned the company was going to be downsizing their group. Because of Marina’s authority and visibility, she could and would consistently take credit for Jill’s achievements. Marina knew only one of them could stay with the company post downsize. In an attempt to save her position within the company, Marina made the unethical decision to be dishonest with Human Resources and with Jill.

Marina began to defaming Jill’s character amongst colleagues as well as lying to Human Resources saying Jill was not completing her assignments. Not only is this dishonest, but it was an abuse of Marina’s authority. In an attempt to get Jill to resign, Marina began harassing Jill. Marina would call Jill into her office and raise her voice, criticize Jill’s character, and make verbally abusive statements towards her. Marina also began to assign Jill demeaning tasks that were not in line with corporate goals steering Jill towards an obsolete role within the company. Ultimately, Marina created a hostile work environment for Jill in hopes Jill would quit. Jill spoke to her HR department but no action was taken. After months of enduring the unethical behavior and harassment from her boss, Jill decided to leave the company for another job.

Marina’s unethical behavior is common especially in these hard economic times. Given the lack of jobs today, many people do not think twice about ethics if their job is at stake. Many will go to any lengths from being dishonest to even harassing others to secure their position. While Jill was fortunate enough to find another position, many will endure an environment with unethical...