What are you risking when you speak up to your boss or accept an ethically dubious task?
I find this scenario particularly nuanced as I have previously found myself in a similar scenario. However, for the sake of simplification, below are a list of risks that Susan is encountering:
Risks with speaking up to your boss (in relation to the case)
- Career prospects: if you are discovered by competitors, it could cause trouble with finding a job in the field.
- University ties: if you present yourself as a student working on a project for school, and these companies discover there’s no such thing, it could reflect badly on your MBA program.
Risks of accepting an ethically dubious task (in relation to the case)
- Create the impression that she is difficult to work with
- Rescind the internship offer
How might the intern (or yourself) follow this plan to achieve their desired effect?
- Recognize that it is difficult to speak up but speaking up will guide her to the opportunities that are right for her and her values.
- Voice concerns in a private manner. Send an email to Mr. Moon and Emma about her feelings of discomfort. (“I feel this…” vs. “This company is making me do XYZ which is very unethical…”)
- Make a plan that reduces the chance of pushback. Brainstorm ways in which Susan can obtain information ethically.
