Take the IMC USA Ethics Challenge! Read this case study and the IMC USA Code of Ethics, then comment below.
The Consulting Ethics Situation
A global corporation specializing in tobacco and related products (e.g., cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes) reaches out and asks you to lead their strategic planning initiative. They are going to invite their executive team and a strategic planning committee to the planning session. Their board includes three directors who are CEOs of firms you have been trying to gain access to for years.
This is an incredible opportunity to work with industry leaders and share your expertise. However, you personally loathe tobacco products.
What Would You Do?
Refer to the IMC USA Code of Ethics. In the comments below, answer these questions. 1.) If you were this consultant – what would you do? 2.) What elements of the Code of Ethics might apply to this case?
About The Author Liz Weber CMC, CSP
The author of this post, Liz Weber CMC, CSP, is a Certified Management Consultant® (CMC®) and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). She is one of fewer than 100 people in the U.S. to hold both designations – the highest earned in two different industries. Liz currently serves as IMC USA’s Ethics Chair. Liz holds an MBA in International Business, 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, consulted in over 20 countries, written ten leadership books, and currently writes a monthly blog and posts on social media daily.
I do not take projects where my work would advance causes or values that I can’t stand behind. I started my business so I can take work I want to do and helping companies advance and build strategies that are against all I believe in goes against my values. It’s not about the money – it’s about being true to myself and my values.
Good case study!
And Linda, that’s why you have the solid reputation you have!
The week before this blog was posted I saw an opportunity for a consultant at a tobacco company. That’s not a product/industry I’d want to work on/in, so I passed. For other types of businesses, I’ve learned from experience that the culture was not a fit for me and learned to say no to those opportunities.