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What To Do When Your Boss Asks You To Do Something Unethical Or Illegal


1 Be sure you understand the situation.

Be sure you understand the situation.
Make sure you're fully aware of the facts and don't overreact, says Taylor. "Ask for restatement of suspicious requests. Create enough time to reflect on the situation and avoid a knee-jerk response based on emotion."

2 Use your gut instincts.

If it seems unethical, it probably is. If you feel uncomfortable, then start asking questions. Let your next move flow from the information that unfolds, she advises.

3 Stay true to your moral compass.

Stay true to your moral compass.
This is your career; you have to live with your choices for a lifetime. "And depending on the situation, it might adversely affect others' lives, too," says Taylor.

4 Ask questions … and more questions.

When you get the unsavory appeal from your boss, the best thing you can do is ask away.

"Ask for the request to be repeated; and then paraphrase: 'I want to understand this a little better. Are you saying you don't want me to document xyz for the Jones account?' 'Why do you want to do this?' 'Wouldn't that be inconsistent with our normal practices?' See where that leads," Taylor says.

5 Try to reason with your boss.

If you can muster up enough diplomacy and your boss is open to discussion, it's highly beneficial to explain the concerns you have for yourself, your boss, and the company.

"If you can preface your argument with the fact that you want to be helpful and value your job, you may be able to help your manager see the light and back down," Taylor says. "Understand what is behind the request. Assuming the task is not egregious, there may be an ethical path to achieving a better result, for instance, that your boss hasn't considered. Make it your mutual brainstorm, i.e., how can we work to resolve this, as opposed to his or her problem."

6 Never be bullied.

You may feel pressured to comply with your boss's request, but do not allow yourself to be bullied into any task with which you're uncomfortable.

"You could end up in a lawsuit or even jail, if your boss is involved with something nefarious," she says. "Just because you were obeying your manager's orders will not provide a defense. On the flip side, don't get aggressive in response and bully back. It won't get you the results you want by going on the offense. Stay in control."

7 Challenge with caution.

Write down the likely consequences of any action you take and know in advance what is most beneficial to your career in the short and long-term, she suggests. "Whether you attempt to 'manage up' and help your boss see the bigger picture, or decline to be involved, knowing the expected reaction will allow you to make the best strategic move."

8 Take measures to protect yourself.

This one is crucial.

"If your boss doesn't get the message by your countless inquiries and attempts to dissuade, you have several choices," Taylor explains. "Your next move will depend on how egregious the request, your relationship with your boss, laws in your state and industry, your relationship with management, the role of HR, and the risks and rewards of staying or leaving the company, to name a few factors."

Here are some actions you may consider:

> . Send your boss an email restating the request. Hopefully at that point, any manager would see the poor choice they're making. Wait for a response. "If your boss is insistent, then record that in writing to your boss and explain why you won't comply," suggests Taylor.

>. Talk to your boss's manager about the problem and seek advice (if you get the request in writing, you can take that to their boss or HR).

>. Speak to a manager in your HR department.

>. Just say "no" and explain your reasons, hoping for the best. "If you decide to become a 'whistle-blower' while you're employed or after you leave, be sure to consult an employment attorney," she advises.

>. Refuse to cooperate and resign. "If the request is so distasteful and you feel you could never continue to work for a company that would support such practices, you may be better off leaving," she says. "If the request is egregious or bordering on illegal, you are far better off to leave the company. No job is worth jeopardizing your reputation or career."

9 Don't talk about it with too many people.

While you may feel the need to share your challenge with colleagues or friends outside the company, beware." It's best to first exhaust all internal channels to arrive at a potential resolution versus risking possible defamation claims," she says.

Be firm and consistent.
Be firm and consistent.
Jacquelyn Smith/Business Insider
Once you've made your decision, don't cave later. If you agree to the activity one time, it will make it more difficult to decline the second time, Taylor warns.

10 Start your job search.

After getting an unethical assignment or task, you may suddenly lose respect and trust for your boss and/or employer. "Without trust, you'll perform sub-par; question your boss's motives; may be concerned about the company's long-term prospects; and invite unnecessary anxiety in your career," Taylor warns.

Plus, your boss might start treating you differently and make your life miserable.

This is a critical time to think about whether you really want to work for someone willing to put your job or career at risk, or who treats you poorly for refusing to comply. "Then begin a discreet job search while you attempt to resolve matters," Taylor says.

"And if you're asked to perform an illegal task, you should expedite your job search and leave immediately," she adds.

"One of the best ways to protect yourself with a potential illegal request is to immediately contact an employment attorney. That way you will have all the best options available for your review," Taylor concludes.

source : http://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-do-when-your-boss-asks-you-to-do-something-illegal-2015-12?IR=T/#start-your-job-search-12