How to handle unethical bosses
Most people dread Mondays. It's the start of a new work week. The weekend has come and gone, and relaxing time is over. It's time to get back to business. No matter how much you enjoy your job, it can be difficult if you're not working under good management. Mondays can be especially rough if your boss is performing activities that he or she isn't supposed to be doing.
The problem with poor managers is they reflect on their employees. If a manager is not performing up to par (or not at all in some cases) an employee will aim to perform at the same level. Why would an employee want to work harder than the manager? Similar to children, employees mirror their bosses. Employees understand that their managers or supervisors earn more than they do. This information adds fuel to the loss of motivation when they see their boss slacking on the job. "Why should I work harder than them when they make more money than I do?"
In certain instances, a boss not working is the least of some employees' worries. Employees may witness superiors partaking in unethical behaviors around the workplace. Activities such as stealing, sexual harassment and/or time theft can create a very uncomfortable situation for employees. There are many different choices employees can make after discovering such behaviors by their bosses, and none of them are easy decisions. For example, an employee witnesses her boss stealing cash at the end of the shift. What goes through the mind of that employee? She can inform her boss' manager, but what if tat individual is just as unethical as the boss? What if the employee gets accused of stealing the cash? What if she eventually gets fired as a result of trying to be ethical? These are very difficult choices an employee has to decide from.
As a result of the difficulty deciding the answer, most employees will ignore the wrong-doing to avoid any conflict. This option is the easiest way out. Not getting involved removes any risk associated with the conflict. This is not necessarily the right thing to do, although it might be, as every situation is different. The appropriate thing to do in most cases is to report the inappropriate behavior to the proper authority. It is important to do this as anonymously as possible. In the instance that the entire corporation is corrupt, it will be harder to track the complaint back to the individual. If this is the case, you may want to re-evaluate your employment choice as well. A corrupt corporation can cost you more difficulties in the long run.
Emails are a very reliable form of communication, but can be unsecure. Some managers leave their email open on their computer, and prying eyes may be able to view information. For example, your general manger might have left his or her computer unlocked with the email you sent open on the screen. If the unethical manager gets wind of this, he or she may be able to delete the email and/or put pressure on you. The problem with unethical bosses is that they may take all measures they can to keep what they have going. When morals are thrown out of the window, anything at all is possible.
The best way to approach a situation with an immoral boss is to write an anonymous letter to upper management. If this cannot be done, a face-to-face conversation can be equally as effective. This leaves no traceable proof that can lead back to you. Reporting an unethical manager is rarely a comfortable situation, but it is for the best. Have confidence in knowing what you are doing is right. In the long run, you will not only feel better, but you will create a better work environment for yourself, co-workers and your company.
