2.) If your superior tells you to do something against your conviction, would you obey conveniently so as not?

Question

2.) If your superior tells you to do something against your conviction, would you obey conveniently so as not to lose your job or make a stand pf your own? Can we maintain respect without obedience?

Answer 1

That entirely depends on what is being asked of you. If you are being asked to do something that is illegal or violates ( really) your moral/ethical code, then you should refuse.

If you are being asked to do something that you don;t want to do adn think you can worm out of by being all PC then just suck it up.

Answer 2

First of all, if you trust and follow in Jesus Christ then you need to pray to Him before anything else.

On a more general note, regardless of where you stand personal convictions are of utmost importantance. Jobs, contacts, even careers come and go, but you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

That said, your employer has the right to tell you you're full of crap and to go take a hike. If you enter into a discussion with your superior, do so with this in mind. He or she will respect you MUCH more if you don't approach the situation with a sense of self-righteousness or entitlement.

In the end, yes, we can maintain respect without full obedience if we are open and honest - just remember that this requires being prepared to be demoted, looked over or even fired. The consequences depend upon the situation, but the principal does not.

Also ask yourself whether or not you're taking a moral stand because of your sincere beliefs, or because you're just trying to make a point. Standing on conviction will open you up to charges of hypocrisy quickly if you're not willing to consistently walk the walk.

Now - to relate this question to myself personally - yes, I have done things against my own convictions. One incident that stands out took place years ago, but I carry a sorrowful memory with me to this day and am not proud of my inaction. I regret it. I would never have regretted doing the right thing.

Before you act, try to take a step back and imagine today through the lens of tomorrow.

Answer 3

I wouldn't do the thing against my conviction. If it was illegal I would tell the authorities. If it was agaisnt my religion, I would probably get in touch with a lawyer.

There are grayer areas though. If my superior asked me to do something outside my job description (make copies - clean the break room) I might do it and then start looking for another job before I quit.

Answer 4

I cannot help but wonder if these people would have been so willing to do this for you had they known you then proceeded to post questions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 from this test.

Answer 5

It depends... usually you do what your boss tells you to, unless it is against the law or goes against your religious beliefs.

It also depends how important your job is to you.. would you be willing to lose it? and is your conviction important enough to lose a job over? That is just a moral decision one has to make.

Answer 6

Absolutely we can maintain respect while declining to obey. I'd probably say something like..

"With all due respect to you, I'm afraid that what you ask would go against my personal beliefs. I hope you can respect those beliefs, as I naturally do yours and not ask me to do something that I feel uncomfortable with."

If you say it sincerely and without shouting, most would accept your response willingly.