Ethical Dilemmas of a New Employee

A new employee joining the professional organization is given instructions on different tasks by the seniors (colleagues and superiors included).  Some of these instruction may exploit the work of the individual for their personal benefit or make the individual undertake tasks which are detrimental to his learning and professionalism.  The dilemma faced by the individual is whether to discharge tasks as per the instructions or not. 

The ethical dilemmas are compounded in cases where the employee is asked to misreport or fudge numbers in reports and presentations.  The individual is torn between being truthful and being obedient.  This also creates a stress and the individual may be constrained to leave the organization. 

Companies has to handle the induction/socialization process carefully and ensure that new recruits always have access to senior managers to guidance. This senior manager (mentor) may not necessarily be a line manager and can be a senior person from a staff function / HR.  However, care should be taken to ensure that the mentor has sufficient seniority to have his opinions given weigtage.

http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/jun2010/bs2010063_959739.htm