(Solution) 5C003 when and how you would react to both unethical and illegal matters (one of each) (AC 1.4)

Solution

1.3 Raising unethical and Illegal Matters

 Reacting to Unethical Matters:
When encountering unethical behavior, such as a manager taking credit for an employee’s work, it is crucial to address the issue in alignment with professional values like those outlined by the CIPD. For example, if a manager presents a team member’s innovative project idea as their own without acknowledgment, this breaches the CIPD’s core behaviors, including integrity and fairness (‌CIPD 2023). The first step is to document the incident clearly, gathering any evidence such as emails or meeting notes that demonstrate the unethical action. I would then arrange a private meeting with the manager, expressing my concerns in a professional and non-confrontational manner. If the issue persists, or if the manager dismisses the concern, I would escalate the matter to HR or a higher authority, emphasising the need for ethical conduct as per the organisation’s code of ethics and the CIPD guidelines. Addressing such unethical behavior is vital to maintaining trust and fairness within the workplace, and failing to do so can lead to a toxic work environment and demoralised employees.

Reacting to Illegal Matters:

Addressing illegal matters requires a clear understanding of relevant laws and a commitment to upholding legal standards. For instance, if I become aware of discriminatory practices during performance appraisals, where employees are rated based on race or gender, this would violate the Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination in the workplace (GOV.UK, 2013). In this scenario, I would document the instances of discrimination, ensuring that I have specific examples and supporting evidence. I would then raise the issue directly with the HR department or my line manager, clearly stating the legal breach and the potential consequences for the organization, such as legal action or damage to reputation. If necessary, I would consult with legal counsel or external bodies, such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to ensure the matter is appropriately addressed and rectified.

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