CASE STUDY: Follow Dubious Orders or Speak Up (Internship Ethics)

When faced with ethically ambiguous directives as an intern, you stand at a crossroad that defines both professional reputation and your personal integrity. Speaking up to your boss when asked to misrepresent yourself (like Susan in the HBR case) puts immediate job security and future opportunities at risk. You may be seen as “difficult to work with,” and potentially lose your internship/RO to a full-time offer, especially if you haven’t yet earned political capital in the company. In some industries, confrontation may also lead to reputational backlash within your network which would impact long-term prospects. However, on the other hand, accepting dubious tasks erodes self-trust and risks your reputation if your actions are discovered. Trust once lost is hard to rebuild; future employers may question your judgment, and you risk dragging your references into controversy if your actions reflect poorly on them. Early career decisions shape how you are perceived, both externally and internally. Ultimately, the moment you accept an unethical request, you normalize such behavior and diminish the expectation of ethical standards both for yourself and your company. By voicing your discomfort and proposing an ethical alternative (either through transparent research methods or by consulting appropriate supervisors), you protect your integrity and demonstrate leadership. Companies worth joining value honest dialogue and integrity, and if your concerns are dismissed, that’s a signal to reconsider whether their values align with yours.