Ethical Decision-Making for Restoration Professionals

The Ethical Compass

Setting: A fire-damaged retail store undergoing restoration.

Characters:

• Kevin: A technician with a strong moral compass.

• Subcontractor: A subcontractor hired for electrical work, cutting corners to save time and money.

• Project Manager: A manager focused on meeting deadlines and staying within budget.

Situation: Kevin discovers that the subcontractor hired for electrical work is cutting corners and violating safety codes. He notices substandard wiring, the use of unapproved materials, and a disregard for proper grounding. Kevin knows these shortcuts could create serious safety hazards, potentially leading to fires or electrical shocks. He's also concerned that this shoddy work could damage the company's reputation and lead to legal issues down the line.

Kevin's Thoughts:

• "This is unacceptable! This work could put people at risk."

• "The 'Leading from Below' guide talks about maintaining professionalism and upholding ethical standards, even when it's difficult."

• "I need to report this, but I also need to approach it carefully."

Kevin's Approach:

Kevin first gathers evidence of the violations, taking pictures and documenting his observations. He then schedules a private meeting with the project manager:

"I need to discuss some concerns I have about the electrical work being done by the subcontractor. I've noticed some potential safety issues that I think we need to address."

He presents his findings to the project manager, explaining the violations and the potential consequences:

• Safety Hazards: He details the specific code violations and how they could lead to fires, shocks, or injuries.

• Reputation Damage: He explains how substandard work could tarnish the company's reputation and erode client trust.

• Legal and Financial Risks: He highlights the potential legal and financial liabilities associated with faulty electrical work.

Kevin also suggests solutions:

• Subcontractor Review: He recommends a thorough review of the subcontractor's work and a clear directive to rectify the violations.

• Quality Control Measures: He proposes implementing stricter quality control checks for all subcontracted work.

• Ethical Guidelines: He suggests reinforcing the company's commitment to ethical practices and code compliance with all subcontractors.

Outcome:

The project manager, initially reluctant to confront the subcontractor, recognizes the seriousness of the situation. They take immediate action, ordering a full inspection and demanding that the subcontractor bring their work up to code. The project manager also implements Kevin's suggestions for improved quality control and ethical guidelines. Kevin's courageous actions protect the safety of future occupants, preserve the company's reputation, and reinforce a culture of ethical practices within the company.

Key Takeaways:

• Kevin demonstrates ethical leadership by reporting unsafe and unethical practices, even when it involves potential conflict.

• He gathers evidence and presents a clear and compelling case to the project manager.

• He advocates for solutions that protect safety, uphold quality standards, and mitigate risks.

• Kevin's actions exemplify how leading from below can safeguard ethical practices and maintain the company's commitment to doing what's right.