Values - The Great Common Denominator

2004
Joseph C. Kale, Jr.

One of the great benefits of working in the Ethics organization of a large corporation is the opportunity to talk to students of all ages about ethics and values.  It is always an interesting dialogue as we compare and contrast ethics issues in the workplace and in an academic environment.  At work the issue might be conflicts of interest, in school the issue might be cheating.  In work it might be schedule pressures, in school it might be pressure from parents and peers to get good grades.  In all of these discussions there is a common theme.  The issues and challenges may be different, but the values are the always the same.

It is pretty common knowledge that we learn our values, what is "right and wrong", early in life sometime between 3 and 6 years of age.  So if these values have been with us for so long - Taught by parents, reinforced by teachers, and honed through life experience, why do people make bad decisions?  I believe that many times the answer lies in some sort of justification for that action or decision.

Put your parent or employee hat on, do any of these phrases sound familiar?

In the School Environment

• "Everybody else cheats, why shouldn’t I?"
• "If I don’t get caught, who cares?"
• "I would never tell on a friend, even if I knew they did something wrong."
• "It is not really lying, I just didn’t tell my parents everything."

In the Work Environment

• "We really need to do everything possible to win this contract"
• "It doesn’t matter how it gets done as long as it gets done"
• "We didn’t have this conversation"
• "What’s in it for me?"

By justifying one’s behavior, even when it is in contrast to strongly held values, that behavior becomes ingrained and can lead to a mindset or decision logic that will ultimately lead down the wrong path.  Here is a true story that a colleague shared with me that illustrates this concept:

While attending college I lived in a co-ed dormitory.  I resided in a suite with several other guys and over time became pretty close.  Some of those individuals I still count as good friends today.  Barry was one of the guys and was an accounting major.  It became evident rather quickly that Barry did everything possible to get the best grades, the right summer internships, and network with the right professional contacts.  His aspirations were very clear -- To join what was then a big eight accounting firm, become a CPA, and then make partner.  At first I thought he was very driven in his goals and admired his dedication.  However, it did not take long to realize the means he was taking to achieve those goals.  The reality was that Barry was a cheater, employing any means possible to get ahead.  Obtaining back copies of tests, writing answers in bluebooks, stealing class notes from others; you name it and he did it.

Fast-forward the clock.  Barry graduates with honors, is recruited by several accounting firms, and joins one of the most prestigious.  He quickly establishes himself in the profession, moving up the ranks past his peers.  At an earlier age than normal, Barry makes partner with the respect and admiration of his colleagues.  His career continues to advance as he reaps the professional and personal rewards of his position.  Barry had earned a position of responsibility and authority at the firm to make major financial decisions.  Then in an incident that is remarkably familiar with the accounting scandals of recent years, Barry steps over the line.  He makes recommendations to clients as part of mergers and acquisitions activity that gets the firm in hot water with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  An investigation was launched, the firm was indicted, and as a partner Barry was liable.  He ends up resigning the firm in disgrace.  The firm is merged with a competitor shortly after the incident.  Over the years Barry has worked in several other companies in a financial capacity, but never at the same level as at the firm.  His reputation had been tarnished irreparably.

What lead Barry down this path?  Was it a one-time incident or a pattern of behavior?  The sad thing is that it was most likely a pattern of behavior.  Going back to his college days he felt justified in cheating to get ahead.  He was a smart guy and knew better, but still made the wrong decision.  Sure he benefited in the short run, but in the end his mindset was ingrained.

Joseph C. Kale Jr., is Director-Ethics and Business Conduct, Integrated Systems and Solutions, Lockheed Martin Corporation. Mr. Kale worked closely with Lake Braddock Secondary School and the ERC to help establish and provide guidance for the student ethics office prototype and has provided continuing support for the Student Fellows Program."