How To Deal With Lack Of Integrity At Work

Working out how to deal with lack of integrity at work starts with classifying what you actually saw, because three different routes apply.

Poor judgement. A decision you disagree with, made within someone’s authority. Uncomfortable, and usually not reportable. Raising it directly is the only route.

A policy breach. Expenses, conflicts of interest, procurement, use of information. This goes through the normal internal reporting route and should be recorded.

Misconduct or an improper state of affairs. Dishonesty, fraud, concealment or serious wrongdoing. This may be a protected disclosure, which carries legal protections including confidentiality of your identity and protection from detriment.

The third matters most, because those protections generally depend on disclosing to an eligible recipient through the right channel. Sending it to a general inbox where several people see your name can undermine the confidentiality the protection relies on.

The Fair Work Ombudsman covers workplace rights. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s whistleblower course and conflicts of interest training.