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Case Studies
Covering up the past
Upon her return to Hong Kong after a few years in the States, Sandy worked in La Fonda, an architect firm. She had her first degree in Hong Kong but left for the US with her boyfriend soon after graduation. Her performance in the firm was brilliant and the portfolios she submitted were excellent. When her senior Kelly resigned, her unit head Antonio considered recommending Sandy for promotion to take up Kelly’s post. Sandy was full of hopes.
Antonio was about to nominate Sandy. One evening, he was talking to his cousin Gamma who just returned from a long stay in the States. Gamma had been doing a doctoral programme in Architecture in the University of Vermont. Antonio causally mentioned to Gamma that his prize staff, Sandy, also worked on a second degree at the University of Vermont too. Antonio thought that Gamma and Sandy might have met in the University because their years of study coincided. But, to Antonio’s astonishment, Gamma could not recall a Chinese lady studying Architecture during his seven years’ stay at the University, particularly as he worked part-time in the Registrar’s Office. If Sandy had studied there, Gamma would have remembered her.
Antonio was flabbergasted and determined to look into the matter. When he went back to the office the next day, he sent for Sandy at once. He asked Sandy if the credentials she submitted to the firm were in order. Sandy guessed what he was getting at and blurted out the truth.
It was a sad story. Sandy was about to be married to her boyfriend in US when she found out that he was dating another girl who could help him to get US citizenship. He tore her heart into pieces. After a few years of living only on the money sent from home, Sandy finally decided to turn over a new leaf and went back to Hong Kong. She built up a portfolio of her own work which was in fact copied from overseas designers and made up an academic and professional history for herself. Then she landed the job at La Fonda.
Antonio did not know what to do. Should he expose the fraudulent past of Sandy? Was it his duty to make sure that the firm was not cheated? Would this destroy the career of Sandy who had been a star in the firm?
Sandy had promised to work hard if Antonio kept her secret for her. Could Antonio do that with a clear conscience?
Case Analysis
Sandy, who submitted forged academic certificates and false professional history, with the intention to deceive her employer, might have already committed fraud.
Antonio was facing an ethical dilemma that might put his personal values such as compassion, responsibility and honesty to challenge. On one hand, it seems right for him to keep the secret for Sandy in view of her good potential and the reasons behind her fraudulent act; but on the other hand, he had the responsibility to protect the interest of the company and report any staff misconduct or illegal behaviour. In handling the situation, Antonio should identify the relevant facts and take stock of all stakeholders concerned. The following factors should be taken into consideration when identifying viable alternatives and choosing the best course of action for himself:
- Does his decision violate any professional, industry specific, or company code of conduct?
- Is his decision against the law?
- Does it correspond with his self-values such as honesty, fairness or compassion?
- Can he disclose the decision to others openly and honestly without misgivings?
The ETHICS PLUS ethical decision making model might be helpful for him in solving the dilemma.