TATTLING

Where does that leave those situations where there is no real harm to the public perceived, but there is clearly a breach of ethical behaviour (petty theft, massaging budgets to deceive potential clients etc)? Obviously, you need to consider the consequences for you personally , but in the end, again, you have to be true to your own values, ensuring that what you are doing is not motivated by petty issues such as professional jealousy or personal dislike of an individual.

If your workplace has no formal mechanism for anonymous reporting of such behaviour (which in itself can be a problem if there is overt encouragement of people to rat on one another), your best first step would be to confront the individual. This is akin to trying to deal with a potential whistle -blowing situation internally before going outside. If this has no effect (sometimes the perpetrator will change his or her behaviour when confronted), then you need to consider going to a higher authority, but only if you have solid evidence to support your allegations and if you have decided that it's worth it.

In the end it's a true personal decision. Just answer the question: Can I live with myself if I do it? Can I live with myself if I don't?