Choices 26

“The moral values, ethical codes and laws that guide our choices in normal times are, if anything, even more important to help us navigate the confusing and disorienting time of a disaster.” Sheri Fink

This concept is really interesting to me, and I am beginning to realise that it has been for a very long time.

Prior to studying social work, I began a Bachelor of Business.  Life happened and I received an employment offer which changed my career.  Here we are nearly twenty years later.

After finishing my Bachelor and Master of Social Work (the master’s is another story of me throwing myself on the sword), the local university offered a Master of Business Administration in a hybrid model. I booked myself in for a chat, hoping that they would not accept me!  Unfortunately, this backfired and once again I was studying!  As part of the program, they held a few intensives – both at the beginning and the end, involving all the current students. 

At the final session, we had a “game” in which we were all put into groups as business units.  The rules changed from time to time and the facilitator could hear our conversation in the room.  I can’t recall the whole scenario; our group had agreed to a certain concept and then was offered another deal in which we would need to go back on our word to another group.  One of our team was keen to do this, I was not and stood up and spoke out about our own ethics.  We all agreed to go the original decision.  Once the “game” was finalised and the overall conversation was told, the other group member thanked me for bringing her back.  She had got caught up in the moment and was looking to “win” at all costs or get the better offer that was on the cards. 

This led me to thinking about the last conference I attended in Hobart last year.  It was the Rural and Remote Mental Health conference.  The topic which interested me was “moral injury” and this concept has been around for some time.  Initially it was utilised to describe police and the armed forces, when they had to do things which was opposite to their own moral compass. It is now being described in which an employee witness events that deeply contradict their moral beliefs or expectations.  They feel betrayed by leadership or peers when the adverse outcomes occur. 

This may happen in any organisation, and this concept has been present in organisations that I have worked for, and for many people that I speak with.  Speaking up at times can be difficult and is dependent on how well you are and your position at the time.  For many, voting with our feet may be the only solution available.

If you are currently in or experiencing this, please reach out as there are many professionals available to assist you.