Ethics and Your Word

Ethical employers want employees who tell the truth. They expect workers to say what they mean and not to deceive co-workers or customers. They want them to admit their mistakes, rather than remaining silent or blaming others. They expect employees to keep their word and live up to their promises. Yet workers are rarely so perfect. They often find reasons for "little white lies," and sometimes for more serious falsehoods.

To Avoid and Put Off: Some people lie to put off or avoid an unpleasant experience. They may say that they are too busy to do a task they dislike. They may tell an angry customer that they cannot handle a complaint simply to avoid the hassle. Some workers lie by remaining silent about something or not telling the whole truth so that they avoid embarrassing consequences. Some lie to avoid confrontation with a supervisor or co-worker.

To Cover Themselves: Some people lie to cover an error or pin the blame on someone else. For instance, a machine breaks down while you are using it and you leave it broken. Later, when the issue comes up, you are lying if you do not admit to breaking the machine. You are also lying if you suggest someone else was using it.

To Gain Personally: Workers may lie for personal gain. They may malign co-workers competing for promotions. Many sales workers will remain silent about or deny defects or negative aspects of their products, even when a customer asks them directly. They are more interested in making the sale than in satisfying the customer.

To Be Agreeable:  Some workers give insincere compliments and make false promises to be accepted. They claim they will do something for someone but rarely live up to their word when the time comes. They are often full of compliments to your face but insults behind your back.

To Impress Others: Sometimes workers exaggerate their skills and experiences, so they can get a job, a plum assignment or a promotion. They may say they graduated cum laude when in fact they were average students. They may advertise themselves as experts in computers when they are still learning. If they control an inventory of R300,000, they may claim its value was R3,000,000. Service persons may exaggerate their authority to impress clients.