Job-Related Ethical Advice ...

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Thread Bomber

Message Board Terrorist

1,851 posts
Dec 17, 2010 8:34 PM
Trap, If you can do a good job marketing for something you don't agree with, Keep getting the checks and consider this a resume stuffer....
Dec 17, 2010 8:34pm
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Dec 17, 2010 10:09 PM
Thanks, TB. I appreciate your input.
Dec 17, 2010 10:09pm
G

gut

Senior Member

15,058 posts
Dec 17, 2010 10:33 PM
I don't know what to say. If you have an issue with this, then marketing is probably not a good career choice, or at least not the line of marketing you ultimately should be in. This is akin to a public defense attorney saying he doesn't want to defend guys who are guilty or accused of certain types of crimes - if that's the case he should pursue a different career.

Personally, if I were hiring a marketer I'd want them to support my product or cause - I'd just expect them to perform better promoting something they endorse. That said, I'm not sure I really see an ethical dilemma here - I assume you're not producing recruiting literature for the KKK. But short of something that's morally or legally wrong I don't consider it compromising your ethics or integrity to promote a viewpoint or opinion you don't share. Not like it's your name personally going on the campaign or ad, you're just producing what a customer wants so you are not expressing your view or opinion or endorsing anything, nor is anyone making a decision based on what you, personally, have to say.
Dec 17, 2010 10:33pm
R

rydawg5

Senior Member

2,639 posts
Dec 17, 2010 10:38 PM
WWJD /thread
Dec 17, 2010 10:38pm
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Dec 17, 2010 10:46 PM
gut;604740 wrote:Personally, if I were hiring a marketer I'd want them to support my product or cause.
This is really the fear I have. I'm on the second-largest campaign in our division, so I'd hate a downgrade, as the opportunity is fantastic.

If they find out I didn't agree with the campaign later, are they going to feel like I hid it from them, and that it was a detriment?

I've got a weekend to mull it over, I'm leaning toward just doing it and telling nobody there that I'm having reservations, and then just move to something else as fast as possible.
Dec 17, 2010 10:46pm
I

I Wear Pants

Senior Member

16,223 posts
Dec 18, 2010 12:20 AM
Just do the best job you can on it. It isn't like you're supporting their cause because if you don't do it someone will (not always an accurate expression for this type of pickle but it seems to be in this case). No need to worry about it.

I might be faced with the same dilemma soon as I may take a job with a telemarketing company if I get offered it which I'm sure I may have to call for things I don't support or use pushy tactics I don't agree with. But it's a job and that's what really matters at this point.
Dec 18, 2010 12:20am
G

gut

Senior Member

15,058 posts
Dec 18, 2010 1:21 AM
O-Trap;604757 wrote:This is really the fear I have. I'm on the second-largest campaign in our division, so I'd hate a downgrade, as the opportunity is fantastic.

If they find out I didn't agree with the campaign later, are they going to feel like I hid it from them, and that it was a detriment?.

Just like you shouldn't talk bad about a boss, you shouldn't talk bad about a client. Well, it does happen all the time but it sounds like your views are more political here and that's a no-no at work. I'd keep my mouth shut and just do my job. Hopefully you aren't posting here from work or they don't know who you are here.
Dec 18, 2010 1:21am
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Dec 18, 2010 1:24 AM
Gut, I'd NEVER post from work computers, especially about this.

And again, I'm not badmouthing my client here, anyway. I'm saying I disagree with them. That's all.
Dec 18, 2010 1:24am
T

Thinthickbigred

Senior Member

4,148 posts
Dec 18, 2010 7:22 PM
O-Trap;603506 wrote:I JUST started working a new job this week. Today, I was given my actual placement. I'll be managing marketing campaigns for certain "non-profit" groups.

The problem is, I don't agree with the principles that these groups stand for. They are religiously and/or politically motivated groups, and while I may share SOME sentiments with them, their big campaigns are ones on which I disagree with them.

However, marketing is marketing, and I'm able to do it for them, and do it as successfully as if the circumstances were different.

So I suppose the question is, if you were in my position, would you voice your view? Would you tell them that even though you were willing and able to run a successful campaign for the clients, you had objections to the causes they're currently pushing?
A job is a job ....... As long as they are not breaking any laws ,and you can sleep at night ..If you cant sleep at night then you can resiegn.. ... look at it this way a lawyer is paid to defend a piece of crap scumbag but the lawer gets paid to serve that scumbag ....i dont think its your job to be critical, Its your job to sell or promote whatever it is your marketing...If it was something that was truely against your core beliefs ,then you can pass this job on to the next guy .... If it were me ..i would just do a bang up job and get paid , It would make me feel better about myself that I did a bang up job even though I didnt agree with the content ....It would also show people how trustwothy i am ....It would show how proffesional you are and most of all Integrity in your work .
Dec 18, 2010 7:22pm
Trueblue23's avatar

Trueblue23

BASEDgod

7,463 posts
Dec 18, 2010 8:52 PM
First off O, congrats brother! I know you searched for a good job for a long time, I'm glad you finally found one!

Secondly.. as much as it sucks to say, do work. By that I mean just put your head down and earn your salary. There are 10 guys that were in the same position you were in who may not agree with the ideas of the organizations, but they'd still kill to be in your position. Best of luck.
Dec 18, 2010 8:52pm
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Dec 19, 2010 12:59 PM
Thinthickbigred;605464 wrote:A job is a job ....... As long as they are not breaking any laws ,and you can sleep at night ..If you cant sleep at night then you can resiegn.. ... look at it this way a lawyer is paid to defend a piece of crap scumbag but the lawer gets paid to serve that scumbag ....i dont think its your job to be critical, Its your job to sell or promote whatever it is your marketing...If it was something that was truely against your core beliefs ,then you can pass this job on to the next guy .... If it were me ..i would just do a bang up job and get paid , It would make me feel better about myself that I did a bang up job even though I didnt agree with the content ....It would also show people how trustwothy i am ....It would show how proffesional you are and most of all Integrity in your work .

You know, that is a great point. Thanks, TTBR. I think you've helped me solidify my decision.

For what it's worth, I'd ask for a transfer before I just resigned. The company has other divisions that wouldn't create the kind of dilemma this one has for me. However, I think your point, applied appropriately, can show that a struggle with my role in aiding an organization can actually be a blessing, because it can give me an opportunity to show how to help someone without agreeing with them.

Inasmuch as I detest the view that a paycheck is more important than integrity, this helps me reconcile that.
Dec 19, 2010 12:59pm
Q

queencitybuckeye

Senior Member

7,117 posts
Dec 19, 2010 5:45 PM
O-Trap;605983 wrote:
Inasmuch as I detest the view that a paycheck is more important than integrity, this helps me reconcile that.

I'd argue that providing for one's family is also a moral and ethical requirement. Where one draws the line between the two is the tough part.
Dec 19, 2010 5:45pm
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Dec 19, 2010 8:04 PM
queencitybuckeye;606733 wrote:I'd argue that providing for one's family is also a moral and ethical requirement. Where one draws the line between the two is the tough part.

Oh I agree, though we've been able to make ends meet the whole time.

However, if I'm putting food on the table, but setting a poor example of valuing integrity, I'd say I'm still failing my family.

Again, and I've said this throughout the thread, my question was to either stick it out or possibly ask for a transfer. I wouldn't be quitting or anything.
Dec 19, 2010 8:04pm
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Murdski99

Senior Member

399 posts
Dec 20, 2010 1:40 AM
O-Trap;607150 wrote:Oh I agree, though we've been able to make ends meet the whole time.

However, if I'm putting food on the table, but setting a poor example of valuing integrity, I'd say I'm still failing my family.

Again, and I've said this throughout the thread, my question was to either stick it out or possibly ask for a transfer. I wouldn't be quitting or anything.

your integrity would be still in tact, but you would be begging for change on the corner
Dec 20, 2010 1:40am
N

Nate

Formerly Known As Keebler

3,949 posts
Dec 20, 2010 10:23 AM
I think it would be a HUGE resume seller if you were to get another job down the road.

I marketed ideas that I didn't believe in and those campaigns were very successful.
Dec 20, 2010 10:23am
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O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Dec 20, 2010 9:27 PM
Murdski99;607833 wrote:your integrity would be still in tact, but you would be begging for change on the corner

And you know this because?
Dec 20, 2010 9:27pm