FBI: Cheating Is The Rule?
Most of us were taught not to cheat when we were growing up. Not in school. Not at work. Not anywhere. But when one grows up and sees that cheating makes people rich, allows them to climb the corporate ladder, gives them the edge in a deal, or flat out allows them to dupe their friends, an important question arises. Is cheating really the rule rather than the exception?
The most recent cheating scandal involves a significant number of FBI employees who cheated on an exam designed to assess their skills on criminal investigations, national security investigations and foreign intelligence collection. Those kinds of job duties would seem to cry out for honest people. Yet according to a recently released Justice Department Inspector General report, cheating on the exam was pervasive. The instructors were even part of a clearly planned effort to ensure everyone’s success.
FBI Director Mueller says that some disciplinary action has already been taken against some violators. That appears to be something less than termination. Mueller also gives assurance that “each of the 22 cases” will be carefully followed-up on. That seems like a small number, given that the investigative report said that 200 employees completed the exam in 20 minutes, when it was expected to take two hours.
Like he was quoting one of those values statements adopted in so many workplaces, Director Robert Mueller then says: “An uncompromising commitment to integrity remains the backbone of the FBI workforce.” He didn’t say that the FBI’s motto is “Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.” Given the widespread cheating on the exam in question, I’m not so sure that FBI employees comprehend the agency’s values or motto. One way to help employees comprehend is to fire the cheaters.
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Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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It certainly does seem like it’s the rule these days. It is difficult to see the level of corruption & lies that people don’t bat an eye at anymore. It’s inconceivable that we have lost our way- that this is acceptable behavior and people are doing nothing about any of it. I certainly try to live my life to the highest ethical standard possible- would be nice to see the same from society in general.
Gina,
Thanks for your comment.
You’re right. Ethics take a back seat to all kinds of other things today. I believe that a lot of people are like you, however. They try to observe the highest ethical standards possible. We don’t hear much about them. We hear about the cheaters. Unfortunately, if they don’t already, the cheaters are going to outnumber the ethical people.
John
The problem is that you hear about the cheaters, but mostly about how much they got out of it and how long they got away with it. You don’t hear that much about what it cost them (family, jail time).
Then add to that tv shows and movies. Some of the most popular shows have been comedies where people lie and cheat. They do so to their friends, families, and co-workers. It is done for a laugh, but no one loses a friend, a job, etc, etc. for lying.
With all the positive spin on lying and cheating, it is no wonder more and more people think it is ok.
Nae,
Thanks for your comment. You make an excellent point.
I know you don’t like my Man Gene theory, but the same could be said about harassment in the workplace, affairs in the workplace, etc. That’s on seemingly every show, dramatic and comedy. So, why not try it at your own workplace? Sometimes, the dramas show something about how bad that sort of thing can end up, but it never shows it as bad as it really is. Sometimes, it just goes on and on, and everybody gets away with it.
So, with or without The Man Gene, a man — or woman — can conclude that this is something that happens everywhere, and it’s okay. The movie “Up in the Air” is a perfect example. The only “bad” thing that happened is that George Clooney found out that his away from home girlfriend was married. The girlfriend says she’s still willing to have a sexual relationship away from home but warns George that he better never contact her at home again.
Well, I’ve rambled too long. Sorry.
Thanks again for your insightful comment.
John