Keep Mailing: ***keep_mailing*** What to do when trapped in unethical or fraud situation

Friday 23 November 2012

keep_mailing What to do when trapped in unethical or fraud situation

Ethical values are the treasure of each individual regardless of his/her financial wealth. However these values are put on stake by pushing someone for specific immoral goals achievements. In this article, I shall cover the aspects which are to be considered while trapped in such circumstances. The article covers both professional and personal aspects.

First of all you need to ask yourself following questions in order to have thorough analysis of the situation:

1-    Who is getting benefit out of it?
2-   Why you (and only you) are being asked/pushed to compromise?
3-   What are the short term & long term personal consequences if you compromise?
4-   What are the risks/impacts on the project/task if you compromise?
5-   What will happen if you don't compromise?
6-   Can I consult some other person for advice?
7-   Can I share the risks with other by involving other personnel/department on this task?
8-   What does the company policy say? Are my actions in-line with Job Descriptions?

Now that you have analyzed the situation, here are the guidelines which you need to consider for corrective and preventive actions:

1-    Sometimes the matter is not really an ethical issue, it's just a difference of opinion so carefully understand on what you are being asked for. Sometimes you are doing a healthy compromise in the best interest of all stake holders (off course within your ethical values and in line with company policies)
2-   If the matter is really critical, consider approaching the Fraud Management Team of your company. In some of the mature companies 'whistle blowing' or 'anonymous reporting' systems are set in place.
3-   Seeking advice from your colleagues/close friends broadens your horizon and expose you to more options for consideration. Be careful whom you consider to seek advice. Ask the one who is honest and fair with you and would keep the secret in the long run.
4-   Discuss the matter with your manager and document it, if possible. Make records for what you do, there is surely someone to ask later.
5-   Define your principles to others quite often and show it time to time so that people know what type of person you are and what your ethical boundaries are. This is required to portray the characteristics of your personality so that others can develop a mental picture of you in their heads. This will prevent them approaching you for the wrong deeds.
6-   Not every ethical issue is to be taken too much seriously, consequently, allowing it to steal your peace of mind. Every problem has several solutions. Keep it cool, stay mentally healthy, analyze the situation based on 8 points mentioned earlier in the post and then do the right act.
7-   Sometimes a simple "No" helps. Just say so and put a full stop to the matter. Sometimes this is the most effective tool to use.

Muslim's approach to handle:

On top of the already explained aspects, a Muslim needs to understand the following as well:

1-    Have faith in Allah and do what your religion expects from you to do. Once done, leave it to Allah and He will turn the table for you. He is suffice for all your problems provided you have done the 'right'
2-   Seek wisdom from Allah. Pray for the right path and He will guide you.
3-   Whatever single deed you are doing is being recorded. You are answerable for what you have been doing during your life cycle. Good deeds result in good outcome not only in this world but also on the Day of Judgment; bad deeds bad results, here and hereafter! Be Honest and be fair. Do your self-audit quite often, in line with Islamic Principles. Insha'Allah you won't regret for any of your deeds if done within Islamic boundaries.
4-   Don't analyze the situation on political grounds which might divert your attention from the right path. Remember, Islam comes first. You should consider this filter for All of your problems. Anything which passes from this filter is the right thing to do.