Lesson 3.10
When Others Invite You Into Dishonesty
Estimated time: 7 minutes
Integrity becomes difficult when the pressure comes from coworkers, friends—or even a supervisor.
Scenario
A coworker tells you:
“We always add ₦5,000 to this type of transaction. Nobody checks it. We’ll split it.”
You refuse.
The coworker says:
“So you think you’re better than us?”
This is where personal integrity requires courage.
“Everybody Does It”
A common practice is not automatically an ethical practice.
Something can be:
- common
- normalized
- profitable
- longstanding
and still be wrong.
If a Supervisor Tells You
Suppose a supervisor asks you to change a record to hide missing stock.
Authority does not automatically make the instruction ethical.
You may need to:
- clarify the instruction
- refuse to falsify information
- preserve accurate records where required
- escalate through the appropriate reporting process
Do Not Join Because You Fear Exclusion
Sometimes dishonesty becomes group behavior.
People may tell a new employee:
“This is how things work here.”
or:
“If you don’t cooperate, don’t expect us to help you.”
That is exactly when clear organizational standards and reporting channels matter.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 37001:2025 emphasizes prevention, detection, reporting and response mechanisms as part of organizational anti-bribery controls.
Speaking Up Responsibly
Do not spread rumors.
Do not make reckless public accusations.
Where possible:
- stick to facts
- use the appropriate reporting process
- distinguish what you saw from what you assumed
- preserve relevant information appropriately
- avoid altering records
- do not participate in concealment
Remember
Integrity sometimes means being the person who says, “No, I will not be part of this.”