HR Dilemma: How Would You Handle Unethical Practices and Career Stagnation?

HR Professional Facing Ethical Dilemma and Career Challenges

My friend is an HR professional with 5 years of experience in a generalist function. He is working as a Deputy Manager in HR and joined 5 months ago at a renowned organization with a good reputation. The opportunity he received in this organization was through his current senior, who was previously his boss in past companies. There was a bond of trust and a familial relationship between his current boss and himself, and their families were well acquainted. Despite several requests and recommendations, my friend joined under him with a lower salary, loss of benefits, and compromise in designation. He was assured by his boss that the salary and perks would be compensated at the time of confirmation.

Upon joining, my friend discovered numerous unfair practices within the organization, which his boss was involved in. His boss also tried to involve him in these practices, which my friend found unacceptable due to the changed behavior of someone he respected and regarded as a mentor in his career development.

In an attempt to address these issues, my friend began opposing his boss in certain cases, which his conscience did not allow him to overlook or support. As a result, his boss became annoyed and stopped assigning him any responsibilities. When my friend requested work or support, his boss would dismiss him, stating that there were more competent individuals available and advising him to simply sit idle and not create problems.

Despite persistent requests for work, his boss started avoiding communication and praising other subordinates in front of my friend for trivial tasks, highlighting favoritism and causing frustration for my friend. Due to the seniority and emotional bond with his boss, my friend does not wish to confront him directly but is actively seeking alternative opportunities. However, having recently joined the current organization 5 months ago, it has been challenging for him to secure a new role in other industries.

He is feeling extremely frustrated in this situation as he is unwilling to accept a salary without contributing meaningfully to the organization. Any assistance or advice for my friend would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
pari

It's Business, and in business, everything is fair, like in love and war. Consequently, your friend has fallen prey to emotional attachments. Let him learn a lesson from this and start afresh. My only advice is if talent is there in a person, he can survive anywhere in the world. More importantly, it is always very difficult to fight unfair practices and corruption alone. So being fair to oneself is sufficient, and one must try to gain power before fighting such odds in life.

Last but not least, save your dignity and never allow others to play with it. The boss is always a boss when it's business, and he cannot be anybody's friend in business. Try to get out of such a nasty situation and stand alone to face and fight back during such odd times.

Thanks,
Bijay

I suggest taking Bijay's advice. I recollect mentioning this in another thread: There are situations that need 'thinking through the head' and yet others that need 'thinking through the heart.' Unfortunately, your friend [or is it YOU?] seems to have mixed up both.

At least, the boss's TRUE colors came out in 5 months—rather than later.

Usually, there comes a time for everyone when he/she has to make a VERY FUNDAMENTAL decision—that touches the very core of one's existence. That's when his/her true colors come out. Please assure your friend that though the present situation indeed is a cause for worry and tension, this will surely be temporary—like Bijay mentioned, talent has a way of coming out and being noticed by those who matter. His boss is JUST AN ABERRATION—NOT the Standard.

The only aspects your friend needs to figure out are:
1. How to handle queries about moving within 5 months.
2. How to handle his boss's reaction once this gets known.

All the Best.

Regards,
TS

Many thanks for the suggestion. Can you please help me in getting answers to your questions, i.e.,

How to Handle Queries About Moving Within 5 Months

(1) How to handle queries about moving within 5 months.

How to Handle His Boss's Reaction

(2) How to handle his boss's reaction once this becomes known.

Another thing to note is that I am pursuing a full-time Ph.D. now. This is regarding one of my best friends who was previously my colleague in my past organization.

I appreciate your input regarding his situation and also welcome suggestions from others.

Due regards,

Regards

Thanks for the advice. But will it be appropriate to leave a job within this stipulated time period? What can my friend answer to the interview panel in a new job? Please help.

Regards

The answer to the question is simple, considering your friend does not indulge in such unethical subterfuges.

How to Handle Queries About Moving Within 5 Months

He should tell the truth (without being very specific or mentioning names). His track record in the previous job should put him in good stead. Moreover, since he has sacrificed his designation and salary in the new job, this can also be proven from the documents. There is nothing wrong, nor is there any stigma if a person wants to change a job that does not suit him or his temperament.

How to Handle His Boss's Reaction Once This Becomes Known

There is no need to confide in his boss about everything he does, especially his personal career decisions. However, in the end, his boss will come to know about this, but it should not affect the boss as he has already washed his hands of him—isn't it? I am sure your friend will not have any problem finding another job opportunity—there is a dearth of such people who live by their principles.

Warm regards.

Raj Kumar has said it all—I couldn't have bettered it. The crux to handle the first question is: NOT to take any names (however tempting it may be for your friend to take his boss's name—after all, it's human nature to hit back when the chance comes). Quite often, this boomerangs. Please convey our best wishes to your friend.

Regards,
TS

Hi,

Don't forget to escalate the issue to higher authorities before leaving the company. In this day and age, it is crucial to contact the head of the company or the supervisor of your friend's reporting boss. Ensuring that the next person in line at the organization does not suffer is essential. Remember, in the 21st century, if you are too polite, people may take advantage of you. Be courageous and proceed with lodging a complaint with higher-ups before deciding to resign. There are numerous websites where you can provide feedback on your company, so go ahead and share your valuable insights to prevent others from facing similar issues.

I hope this helps!