An Ethical Dilemma – Who Would You Hire?
September 19, 2007 by Darlene McDaniel
Filed under Jobs
Have you ever found yourself caught in an ethical dilemma by a hiring manager? If so, I would love to hear about it! Here is an Ethical Dilemma and I would like to know what you would do as the hiring manager.
Ethical Dilemma:
Sally started her consulting business a year ago and has been doing very well. About a month ago, she decided she needed to hire someone to help her since she was getting busier and busier. After interviewing several candidates, she decided to hire the best one of the group, Mary. She called Mary on Monday to tell her she had gotten the job. They both agreed that she would start the following Monday and that Mary could come in and fill out all of the hiring paperwork at that time.
On Tuesday, of the same week, a friend of Sally’s called her to say that she had found the perfect person for Sally. Sally explained that she had already hired someone, but the friend insisted. “Just meet this girl. Who knows, maybe you might want to hire her in the future!” Rather reluctantly, Sally consented. “Alright, If she can come in tomorrow, I’ll meet with her, but that’s all.” “Oh, I’m so glad. I just know you’re going to like her!” Sally’s friend exclaimed.
And Sally did like her. She liked her a lot. Sally had met with Julie on Wednesday morning. She was everything that Sally had been looking for and more. In terms of experience, Julie far surpassed any of the candidates Sally had previously interviewed, including Mary. On top of that, she was willing to bring in clients of her own that would only increase business. All in all, Sally knew this was a win-win situation. But what about Mary? She had already given her word to Mary that she could start work on Monday.
And yet she only had the resources to hire one person at this point. Clearly, the best business decision was to hire Julie. But what about the ethical decision? If her business did poorly or Mary couldn’t provide enough support, the business would suffer. As a result, her family would suffer. Money was already tight, what with two boys in college, And yet she knew Mary also had a family she was supporting. Plus, she had been so enthusiasitc about starting to work.
Obviously, Sally had a problem – an ethical problem. Should she hire Mary (whom she’d already given her word) or Julie (who was obviously the best person for the job)? Questions like these touch on our deepest values. Depending on whom you would ask, you would get strong arguments for both decisions.
Which person would you hire? Mary or Julie and Why? I will share my thoughts tomorrow.
Click here to see Part 2
Once you tell someone they have the job, you are morally obligated to follow through on your word, in my opinion regardless of other candidates.
In this scenario, agreeing to interview another person was a mistake.