Feeling Stuck: Should I Quit My Instructional Designer Job Over Ethical Concerns?

Actually, I was recently contacted by a company (X) for the position of an instructional designer. Although it's a relatively small company, it is credited with having decent clients. However, to my dismay, today when I met one of their clients (A), which is apparently a large group, I was informed by the client that we would be attending internal client meetings within their company (A). I was also instructed not to disclose my company's (X) identity and to pretend that I am an employee of company (A). This process is quite perplexing to me. I am certain there is some underlying reason for this request. Should I resign or should I continue? HR professionals, please help me out. I am feeling anxious, and I do not want to start my career in this manner. I am apprehensive about the potential consequences.

One thing is certain—I have a strong desire to pursue a career as an instructional designer. However, I am unsure if it is worth continuing under these circumstances.

Hi,

Your company is asking you to get into something which is quite shady. Please clarify with your bosses as to what exactly they want you to do and why they want you to do it rather than quitting quietly.

Regards

Hi,

Is your company asking you to join this company and gather information about them? Well, in such a case, use your conscience, and let your own principles in life, as well as the level of honesty and integrity you possess, guide you. Why ask anybody? If your heart allows it, go for it, or simply walk away.

Regards, Kiran

Dear Rebecca,

There is a concept of mystery shopping, which is a tool to measure the quality of service. Mystery shoppers pose as normal customers to gather information on products and services by asking questions, giving complaints, etc. They then provide a detailed report on their experience.

Certain training companies also use this concept, with the knowledge of the client company, to get a detailed and clear understanding of the training needs and to identify real issues. You can check with your boss/colleagues on this. Deciding to quit will be too early.

Regards,
:icon1:

I don't know, but I personally feel you should quit because it's a matter of your professional culture.

Dear Rebecca,

You have not mentioned whether you were instructed to do this by your superiors at company X or client A. Whatever the case may be, you can certainly ask your boss the reason for this. It is then up to you to decide whether the reason provided by them is ethical or not. There is a possibility that the client included such a clause before entering into a contract with your company. Do not consider resigning without knowing the exact reason. You should not hesitate to ask such questions to your boss.

Regards, Nandita

Thanks a lot for your help.

I was asked to lie by the company (X). Finally, I asked my immediate boss about this strange practice. He told me that the sister company of the same group (A) has outsourced manpower for this particular project, but the internal clients within the same group (A) are unaware of this move. They believe that the work is being done by employees of their own group. It's weird. Why would divisions of one single group lie to one another? 🤔

You were given these instructions by the client, right? Not the company you are working with? If so, I cannot understand your dilemma. You will follow the instructions of your company, your supervisor/manager, not the client. If, for whatever reason, you are confused, go to your supervisor/manager. Just remember, your loyalty is to your company.