A.C.T. with Integrity™
Real Situations for Discussion

Maintaining Ethics in the Workplace

Your organization probably operates at a fast pace—which means real choices have to be made quickly by employees, team members, managers and others... every day. And every time they make a choice, they hold the future well-being of your organization in their hands.

A.C.T. with Integrity™ is a proven tool and model for helping people learn how to “do the right thing, for the right reasons, in the right way.” It will help your employees learn how to recognize the most common business ethics and compliance situations they face every day.

How should a request that is against the company's polices be handled?

The urgency and lack of transparency in the request may compromise integrity and ethical standards in the workplace.

I Need ‘Em Shredded

Summary: A coworker is asked shred reports, because the audit team is coming in the next day and there are some errors that haven't been corrected. The coworker questions the urgency and mentions the company's policy of keeping the reports for two years.

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How to address the issue of employees spending work time on personal activities?

Time theft hurts the company and breaks trust. Take steps to address the issue by prioritizing work responsibilities to maintain good customer service.

Getting Paid to Scroll

Summary: An employee is constantly using their phone for non-work-related activities. A co-worker addresses the issue by explaining the importance of staying focused on work tasks and the impact this behavior has on the company’s success.

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What could happen if confidential information isn't secured?

There is a risk of leaving sensitive information visible on a desk. It's important to securely store such information, particularly system passwords to prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Cyber What?

Summary: Steve considers leaving his work passwords out in the open. His colleague advises him not to. Steve dismisses the risk.

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Scenarios Covered In This Program

Chronic Lateness: Addressing persistent tardiness and its impact on productivity.
Inaccurate Reporting: Dealing with errors in data reporting and its consequences.
Missed Deadlines: Managing the repercussions of failing to meet project timelines.
Lack of Focus: Tackling distractions and lack of concentration during work hours.
Procrastination: Overcoming delays in task completion and its effect on workflow.
Failure to Follow Instructions: Handling situations where instructions are not adhered to.
Unprofessional Behavior: Documenting instances of unprofessional conduct in the workplace.
Insubordination: Responding to challenges to authority or refusal to obey orders.

Key Benefits for Trainees

Better communication: Approach for understanding and resolving business ethics situations.
Legal and Policy Compliance: Emphasize the importance of adhering to laws and company policies.
Improved productivity: Recognize and respond quickly and appropriately to what can often be complex situations.
Application of new skills: Demonstrate knowledge and skills that earn the respect of fellow employees and their managers.
Personal Accountability: Encourages employees to take personal responsibility for their actions.
Competitive edge: Employees, customers and suppliers increasingly want to be part of a successful organization—one that puts its values into practice

Competencies Covered

Legal Compliance: Understanding and adhering to relevant laws and regulations.
Policy Adherence: Commitment to following company policies and procedures.
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with unethical behavior.
Integrity in Communication: Ensuring honesty and transparency in all interactions.
Conflict Resolution: Effective strategies for resolving ethical conflicts.
Personal Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
Professional Conduct: Upholding high standards of professionalism in all business dealings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does A.C.T. stand for?

Analyze the situation. Consider the consequences. Take appropriate action.

How should an employee handle a request to lie to auditors or inspectors?

They must provide accurate information and report any unethical requests to their management or the appropriate authorities.

What is the appropriate action if a colleague is not fulfilling their required work duties?

Discuss the issue with the colleague and, if necessary, escalate it to a manager.

Is it acceptable to work on a side project that competes with your employer's interests?

No. This could be a conflict of interest and should be avoided or discussed with HR.

How should quality control issues be handled when under pressure to meet quotas?

Report any shortcuts or pressures to compromise quality to a supervisor to ensure product safety and integrity.

What steps should be taken if a hiring decision appears to be influenced by bias?

Address the concern with HR and ensure that hiring decisions are made based on qualifications and merit (using a structured interviewing process).

What should an employee do if they find sensitive information, like passwords, left unsecured?

Secure the information immediately and remind the colleague of the importance of protecting sensitive data.

What should an employee do if asked to destroy documents that are legally required to be retained?

They should refuse and report the request to a supervisor or compliance department.

The Conference Case Study

ACT with Integrity: The Conference

1 page 101k

You and a colleague are attending a professional conference and notice one of your competitors is hosting a private seminar. There is a large sign in front of the conference door that says “Private Educational Session: XYZ Company Employees Only.”

You observe a large crowd of people entering the room. Many of them do not have their conference badges on. Your colleague suggests you both remove your badges and go to the seminar. “No one is checking badges here. Let’s go in. You never know what we might learn!” he tells you as he removes his badge.

Analyze the situation. What is going on in this example?
Consider the consequences. What is at stake? What are the potential consequences for you if you follow your colleague’s recommendation? What about consequences for the organization?
Take appropriate action. Based on our organization’s Code of Conduct and ethics and compliance programs, what action(s) should you take to address the situation?

The Prayer Session Case Study

ACT with Integrity: The Prayer Session

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Your department manager has recently begun each Monday morning staff meeting with a prayer session. She asks the department members to join her by repeating a prayer out loud with her.

This has been going on for three weeks. You are uncomfortable with this and have talked with two of your associates who are also uncomfortable with the practice. You have approached your manager about eliminating the public prayer session. She has told you that she believes the prayer “unifies the staff” and is not going to eliminate it from the agenda.

Analyze the situation. What is going on in this example?
Consider the consequences. What is at stake? What are the potential consequences, if any, for the manager is she continues the practice? What about consequences for the organization?
Take appropriate action. Based on our organization’s Code of Conduct and ethics and compliance programs, what action(s) should you take to address the situation?

What if I don't have a training program for maintaining ethics in the workplace?

Here are some of the negative consequences could arise:

Increased Risk of Legal Violations: Engage in activities that violate laws or regulations.
Damage to Company Reputation: Tarnish the company's reputation, resulting in loss of customer trust and decreased market share.
Internal Conflict and Low Morale: Conflict over the right course of action in challenging situations.
Financial Losses: Significant financial losses through fines, penalties, and loss of business opportunities.
Customer Dissatisfaction: Mishandling situations involving customers due to a lack of training can lead to dissatisfaction and loss of clients.
Decreased Employee Retention: Risk of seeking employment elsewhere, leading to high turnover rates.
Ineffective Leadership: Fail to lead by example, resulting in a lack of trust and respect from teams.