Unprofessionalism and Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace

Workplaces can be complex environments, where ethical practices and unprofessional behavior intersect in various ways. This article explores two instances of unprofessional and unethical behavior encountered in different professional settings and the responses (or lack thereof) to these issues.

Subtle Unethical Behavior in the Social Work Industry

One of my most recent employment experiences involved a social worker who engaged in unethical and unprofessional behavior. In my role, I uncovered cases where this worker not only abused her power but also actively sought to interfere with the lives of others for personal gain. The case in question involved a boy in her care. This social worker
filed erroneous reports that led to the child being removed from his parents' custody. Simultaneously, she recruited other parents to adopt the child, resulting in a series of devastating impacts on multiple lives. The damages extended beyond the immediate families to hopeful adoptive parents.

The matter came to light when a whistleblower reported the situation to the authorities. Despite the awareness of ongoing unethical activities, no significant action was taken. Shockingly, the situation took a tragic turn when the child's mother, deeply affected by the events, took her own life. The lack of accountability and swift action only further exacerbated the harm caused by the social worker's actions. This case highlights the importance of a stringent ethical framework and robust organizational policies to address such crucial issues.

Stealing and Workplace Dynamics at a Bartender's Job

Another instance of unprofessional behavior occurred in my tenure as a bartender in downtown Cleveland. My manager took advantage of his position to steal from the bar, something that I eventually brought to the attention of the general manager. After my initial theft detection, I continued to observe my employer's actions, ultimately taking steps that not only uncovered his illegal activities but also put me in a precarious position within the workplace.

Seeing my manager's theft, I utilized the opportunity to monitor and ultimately usurp his managerial responsibilities. Day after day, I noticed him underlining his own income and pocketing cash. My observations began when I saw how he handled evening cash. Over time, I documented his actions, discovering discrepancies in the cash register and the need to reconcile them daily. When I confronted the general manager about what I observed, a culture of trust and support turned into suspicion and distrust.

Consequences and Professional Growth

Although I successfully exposed the manager's theft, the fallout from this experience was far-reaching. My efforts to do the right thing ultimately cost me my job. For the next five months, I had to juggle professional responsibilities while dealing with health issues, including a car accident and the temporary loss of the use of my hands and legs. However, I remained dedicated and professional in my actions, ensuring that I handled the situation as transparently and ethically as possible.

These experiences have undoubtedly molded my perspective on professionalism and ethics in the workplace. They underscore the importance of a strong ethical culture and the responsibility of individuals to speak out when they witness unethical behavior. For employers, there is a pressing need to implement strict anti-theft measures and robust support systems for employees willing to do the right thing, even when faced with personal risks.

Both scenarios emphasize the critical need for transparent and ethical practices in the workplace. Whether it's in the field of social work or the hospitality industry, employees and managers alike play a crucial role in maintaining high ethical standards to prevent such unethical practices from occurring and to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all.