Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

 

 

Ethical issues dealing with expediency:

  1. Saving time.
  2. Saving money.
  3. Following the immediate supervisor's orders.
  4. Attempting to look good professionally.
  5. Misunderstanding the consequences of actions.
  6. Avoiding a call for reanalysis if changing plans (see 1 and 2)
  7. Any combination of the above.

(from Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse, Engineering.com. 2009. [http://www.engineering.com/Library/ArticlesPage/tabid/85/PageID/198/ArticleID/175/articleType/ArticleView/Default.aspx])

Beware of "group think."
 

 

What to do:
  1. Make sure your view/info is accurate
  2. Don't overreact
  3. Don't overstate the problem
  4. Define the problem in terms of your org's interests
  5. Don't wait -- projects and people get entrenched
  6. Ask colleagues for advice
  7. Keep a paper trail
  8. Don't expect to change everything
  9. Get professional advice
  10. Aim your appeal at someone who understands

From Huckin and Olson. 1998. Technical Writing. Harper/Collins.

 

A   note:
Employers often complain that new college hires come in and want to change everything.
   So know your place in the org; know your job; build trust through your good work.