Ethics at Work

Your friend applies for a job you’re hiring for. They’re underqualified, but you know they desperately need the income. Do you give them the role or choose the most qualified candidate?

You uncover that your company is dumping toxic waste illegally. Exposing it could save the environment but cost thousands their jobs. Do you go public?

You accidentally receive confidential competitor information that could give your company an edge. Do you use it or delete it without sharing?

You discover you’re being paid significantly more than your equally qualified peers. Do you keep quiet or expose the pay gap?

Your boss credits you for an idea that was actually your colleague’s, securing you a major promotion. Do you confess and risk your career or stay quiet and accept the advancement?

You’re asked to falsify data to make your department’s performance look better for a critical investor meeting. Refusing could lead to mass layoffs. Do you comply or stand firm?

You witness a senior executive harassing a junior employee, but reporting it could result in your dismissal and blacklisting in the industry. Do you speak up or protect your livelihood?

Your boss orders you to alter safety reports to keep a contract. Exposing it could save lives — and cost hundreds of jobs. Do you blow the whistle?

You learn your manager is having an affair with someone they supervise. It’s consensual, but it’s skewing promotions. Do you report the relationship or stay out of it?

A project is failing and leadership suggests letting a junior ‘take responsibility’ to keep the client. Speaking up will protect them but may cost everyone their jobs. Do you intervene or accept the scapegoat plan?

You’re competing with a colleague for a promotion. You discover their CV claims a qualification they don’t have. Reporting it may secure you the job, but it could also ruin their career. Do you expose the lie or stay out of it?