Take the IMC USA Consulting Ethics Challenge! 1.) Read this case study;  2.) read the IMC USA Enforceable Code of Ethics; and 3.) comment below.

The Consulting Ethics Situation

You’re asked to present your culture change model at a Leadership Summit. The 100+ managers are thrilled with your model and Karen Graves, the Director of Strategic Initiatives, said it was exactly what she’s been trying to get them to understand and implement for the past three years.

The following year, you’re again invited to speak at the Leadership Summit. But this time, Karen has asked you to share your research on the impact of implementations – both effective and ineffective. As you wait to share your research, you listen to Karen open the Summit and share key initiatives planned for this year.

Her presentation deck, model and images are from your presentation at the Summit the year before. They had obviously NOT deleted your presentation from their event presentation laptop as required in your agreement. In addition, Karen did not get your approval to use your materials for this event – also required in your agreement.

Karen did say, “As Rita shared with us last year…” before she presented your content with its licensed images and copyrighted models.

What Would an Ethical Consultant Do?

Is there an ethical question or potential violation of the enforceable IMC USA Code of Ethics? 

What, if anything, would you do?

Calls to Action:

Learn from other real ethics cases by reading more IMC USA’s Ethics Case Studies on our Consulting to Management Blog.

And, begin to follow a Code of Ethics by joining IMC USA. All members are required to adhere to the IMC USA Code of Ethics as well as our Consultant’s Code of Conduct.

About the Author Liz Weber CMC, CSP

The author of this post, Liz Weber, is a Strategic Leadership Advisor, Certified Management Consultant® (CMC®) and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). Liz currently serves as IMC USA’s Ethics Chair. Liz holds an MBA in International Business. She has taught for Johns Hopkins University’s Graduate School of Continuing Studies and Georgetown University’s Senior Executive Leadership Program. Liz has supervised business activities in 129 countries and consulted in over 20 countries. She has written ten leadership books and currently writes a monthly blog and posts on social media daily. For more information visit her website and connect with Liz on LinkedIn.