I am gazing off at nothing in particular, enjoying a morning cup of coffee away from the computer and the files that need attention. Without any effort on my part, another subject of interest piques my curiosity (and ears) thanks to two young women who seat themselves at the next table aligned in a cozy position (too close). I do not turn to get a better look but it’s rather obvious from the tone of their conversation that one party is stressed out and seeking advice from the other party.
Here’s the gist of it:
Young Professional (YP) is about to interview for a job that very day. She is excited about this new job although she is already employed. The prospective employer has requested information from YP… information that she is in a quandary to provide. {Their voices lower for a few moments and I cannot get all of the details without falling out of my chair} As the caffeine kicks in, YP states to soothing listener that she really, really would like this new position but she doesn’t feel good about the confidential and proprietary information the new employer wants. {From here on, I am paraphrasing with latitude}. “There’s a lot of competition out there for jobs and y’know, if I don’t give them what they ask for, gee, someone else will. I don’t feel good about it but if it comes down to me and another applicant, I just might say the hell with it. Besides, I don’t have to tell them everything – how would they know? {heavy sigh} I haven’t decided for sure yet, but if they get pushy about it, well…….it is a fantastic chance!” {laughing} “ I wouldn’t even have to actually steal anything, just a few clicks with the phone (oh, that isn’t stealing? – my mental retort) and I could fluff up my portfolio.”
Ethics and professional standards of conduct aside, I can sympathize with YP, still wondering how she will feel about working for an employer who is basically an extortionist. Maybe this quasi-legitimate business practice is now quite common. If YP does succumb to new employer demands, what damage might she leave in her wake regarding former employer (and the employees who were once her colleagues)? When word gets back to former employer (and it always does) what happens to YP’s reputation? Given the advent of instantaneous communication, YP could become an instant heroine or be reviled as someone with deviant standards…or both. Is it my boomer mentality and me or is something seriously messed up with business practices today? Values are values regardless of generational work habits. Granted, not every candidate out there would even consider wavering on the issue of intellectual theft in exchange for a (seemingly) good job offer. I guess what bothered me more than YP’s consideration of the act was the fact that her friend wasn’t appalled by it and said as much.
Many staffing specialists would probably express ambivalence about YP’s choices:
“…I think YP is walking a very fine tight rope when she is thinking of disclosing [confidential or proprietary] information pertinent to her last position. It will certainly come back to haunt her….” Marion Sayers, Assistant Manager/Staffing Specialist, Palo Alto Staffing Services
For me, integrity isn’t a fashion accessory worn as the season’s styles dictate, or maybe it is now.
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