The question of whether anyone has ever taken credit of ones work is a common moral-ethical dilemma that revolves around society today. However, the major concern is how to handle such a situation and how to convince the person of the wrongdoing. Being credited for someone else’s work is an ethical issue as it does not follow the rules of fair conduct or justice. The individual that wrongfully takes credit shows disrespect to the employee that has dedicated time to ensure that the work is done. In most cases the wrongdoer does not exhibit any sense of integrity due to the unprincipled behavior.
While working as an intern for a particular company that I decided to conceal its name a colleague stole an idea that I crafted and made it his own. The ideas were meant to improve service delivery of a food store outlet. As a 24 hour outlet the store is dedicated to ensuring that it provide services efficiently. In the few weeks as an intern I understood the underlying problem by checking at the service data that was collected from multiple stores. Well the service delivery data focused on how to provide its eatery services it did not show how they can provide different deliveries. In this case I suggested that the windshields of waiting cars be cleaned. I suggested that when the client waits for the service order delivery they would be asked if they needed their windshields cleaned as free service delivery. The food store outlet sales increased from the day the free offer began. My colleague contacted the manager of the store and informed him of the success but did not acknowledge the ideas as mine rather he boasted of coming up with the solution.
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When I learnt what had happened I responded automatically, which is referred to as a knee-jerk reaction or a systems 1. It follows effortless, thoughtless responses but not the best action that I should have taken. The action did not solve the dilemma it became worse as the relationship with colleague deteriorated. He worked for the food store on a permanent basis; thus, he regarded me as an intern with no capabilities. As a consequence, I had to permanently request to relocate to a new stall, which led to hardships since it was never my preferred placement.
If faced with a similar problem I would not react in a similar manner. Instead, I would use a system 2 approach that is well-thought idea. It should be a deliberate, and planned response to the wrongdoing. First I should obtain the facts, inquire, and evaluate the responses. One way is to determine the wrongdoers’ motive for moral unethical behavior. The matter should first be handled within the group, since approaching the manager to report as I did create a defensive posture which led to conflict. Hence, it is critical to identify the problem and searching for ways to improve the situation. If the approach fails then it is advisable to approach the manager requesting for intervention. Good ethical behavior is crucial as it strengthens working relationships that in turn benefits the company. If my former colleague would have informed the superiors of the ideas as my own then I would have completed my internship in that food stall. Moreover, good ethical behaviors do not categorize workers differently, thus, as an intern my capabilities would still be viewed the same way as the employed staff. Sales increased after I launched the service; however, it did not continue for long since they lacked the proper planning that I had envisioned.
