At what point does ethics bcome more important than a paycheck?

Question

My employer has just asked me to basically use the work of someone else as if it were ours. I'm really uncomfortable doing this but have a family to support. I've voiced my concerns to my employer - he doesn't really care what I think about it (just do it). Advice?

It's more attorney work product related than it is copywrite infringment. We use forms and samples on a regular basis, but this is the actual work that I am to update and change into our firms name.

Answer 1

It's a good question to ask, and you deserve points for questioning rather than just obeying. IMO, ethics are always more important than a paycheck unless you are down to basic survival. If the Nazis are after you, you have my permission to do what is necessary to save yourself and your family.

If it's not that desperate, ask yourself how cheaply you are willing to sell your integrity. Passing off the work of another firm as that of your own is unethical at best and is thievery at worst. When innocent civilians are killed, the soldier who pulled the trigger doesn't get absolved just because his sergeant gave the orders.

Start looking for another job at a place where you're not asked to compromise your own standards. In the meantime, you've voiced your concerns to your boss (in writing? documentation of some sort is always good in the event this comes back to bite them later.) You've done what you can do at the moment.

Good luck - there are firms out there who value people like you with integrity. I'm sure you'll find one.

Answer 2

What you should do is get proof of this. Instead of talking to him, send an email about it. If he replies saying to do it. Print out the email and keep it. He could be infringing on copyrights here. If the person who's work is being stolen comes after the company. You have proof that he told you, so you won't get fired over it. The company would get sued, not you either way. My advice is, I guess you have to follow orders, but might start to look for a new job.

Answer 3

I think ethics are far more importand than a paycheck they are what defines yuo as a person. Make sure what you are being asked is legal if not inform your boss you are not going to do it. There are laws preventing you from being fired in this case. I would also start looking for a new job where you wont be out in this position.

Answer 4

Is there anything you have in writing that says the employer is aware of your concerns but is still going ahead with theft of intellectual property? CYA cover your assets, so the employer can't come back on you and say you committed the act. If the original creator learns of the theft they can take them to court for unjust enrichment.

Answer 5

unfortunate event for you! For me my line is when I have to compromise my feelings from being my true self... Like you are in a constant lie. It is also called copyright infringement and if you are found guilty more consequences.... I wouldn't do it, personally, I would look for another employer that is more honorable than that...

Answer 6

You need to provide more info on basically use the work of someone else, its not cut and dry. It also depends on who this someone else is, another company, a co-worker on another team. Is it patent infringment or just simply modifying a broad idea.

Answer 7

Cover your *** in writing. Save an email or some communication to your boss that shows you voicing your concerns and him saying "just shut up and do it."