METHOD

Suggest solutions not just complaints.

Challenge the rationale.

Accept that confronting ethical concerns is part of your job.

Recognize that it's business and treat it that way.

Use your lack of seniority or status as an asset.

Consider and explain long$-$term consequences.

You research similar incidents and then present data to Christine to help her to see how this action could potentially have financial and legal impacts on Christine, her subordinates, and the bank.

You talk with Alonzo about the company's policy and remind him that although you understand the immediate pressure he feels to comply with Christine's requests, you think he should also consider the long$-$term ramifications such as the loss of his job or the bank's reputation.

You ask Alonzo to consider whether he would still be comfortable breaking company policy by signing Christine's name if he knew that his actions were going to be publicized on the local news.

You recommend to Christine that, instead of asking subordinates to sign her name in her absence$,$ she might consider asking the bank owners to consider a formal policy exception that legally allows loan assistants to sign for loan managers in select circumstances if proper procedures are followed.

You remind yourself that, although you were not the one asked to provide the signature, it is still your responsibility to take action against potentially unethical behaviors in your workplace.

You casually mention to Christine that you overheard her conversation with Alonzo and that, because you are a fairly new employee, you are confused about the bank's policy that prohibits loan assistants from signing for their loan managers and are concerned that her request could cause problems for all of you.