What Constitutes Workplace Dishonesty? (2024)

FAQs

What Constitutes Workplace Dishonesty? ›

Title 22, Section 1256-34(a) defines dishonesty as "such acts and statements as lying, theft, making false entries on records and other actions showing a lack of truthfulness and integrity." Dishonesty may include both criminal and noncriminal dishonest acts and statements.

Dishonesty in the workplace includes employee theft, submitting incorrect time sheets, lying to managers and co-workers and unethical conduct such as harassment or drug abuse.

One of the most common occurrences of dishonesty on the job involves lying. Employees may lie to each other, to their superiors, or even to customers. A lot of damage can occur when bosses lie to employees, as employees often tend to mimic the behavior of those in charge, which creates an even bigger problem.

Employee Dishonesty insurance is a type of Commercial Crime policy that reimburses the business for losses due to employees committing acts of dishonesty. Even if you think your business is immune from this, it is better to be safe than sorry.

An employee who seems to know more about company business than expected. He or she may be accessing personnel files, trade secrets or other sensitive information for personal gain.

1. MISAPPROPRIATION OF ASSETS. The most common form of fraud is misappropriation of assets, in which an employee, executive or owner of a company uses his or her position to steal from an organization.

Have an Honest Conversation. Often a simple and informal chat will do the trick. If you decide to approach your colleague about a lie you are sure he's told, allow him to fess up and come clean. Following that, “you can have a conversation about your expectation that it will never happen again,” says McLeod.

Can you fire an employee for being dishonest? ›

Technically, an employer can fire any at-will worker at any time, for any reason. But in the case of a suspected lie, workplace experts recommended that employers double-check the facts before firing the employee to avoid a wrongful termination lawsuit.

What Constitutes Unethical Behavior? Unethical behavior in the workforce is not restricted to overt acts. It includes workers acting out and aggressively confronting supervisors, supervisees, and colleagues, and it includes more subtle behaviors that compromise people, productivity, and organizations.

Given the many ways people think about what is dishonest it is difficult to clearly define dishonesty. Accordingly, researchers use dishonesty as an umbrella term that covers unethical behaviors such as cheating, stealing, fraud, deception, and other questionable acts.

Warning Signs of Fraud

Some employee behaviors that raise red flags include: Living beyond their means and/or financial difficulties. Control issues and having an unwillingness to share duties with co-workers. Bullying or intimidation.