Honesty Is Best Policy — Tip of the Week

Some employers have policies on honesty or ethical conduct. Even without a specific written policy, honesty is an implicit requirement in every handbook or set of workplace policies.

I thought about this while reading an article in Time Magazine about a meeting of the Second Maine Militia, or “No-Wing Militia.” As a prominent member says, “We ain’t right wing, we ain’t left wing. We’re trying to get the folks to see the problem ain’t left versus right, it’s up versus down.” This small group of wildly diverse Mainers share the belief that the U.S. government is run by the rich and has lost its moral authority.

Although not stated in the Time article, it’s likely that the Militia would cite the recent attempt of bailed out banks and other institutions to return to unspeakably high bonuses during the midst of a recession as an example of its core belief. True, the government says it’s trying to stop that, but the Militia would say the government ain’t about to punish itself.

The pervasive nature of dishonesty in our society was shown recently by the revelation about the fraud committed by individuals claiming the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. Perhaps a few of these folks are wealthy, but it sounds like regular people to me.

It seems that when there’s a bunch of money involved — like in bailouts and tax credits — dishonesty is the policy. As much as the Second Maine Militia and probably most of us don’t want to believe it. I’m guessing it’s always been that way.

Maybe one day, the Second Maine Militia will get the new revolution it wants. I doubt it, though, Too many commoners have thrown in with the crown. No matter. Employers should still hold out honesty as the best policy. It gives us something to shoot for.