Which scenario illustrates an ethical lapse and its proper prevention?

• A. A supervisor asks you to misreport data; refuse, report, and follow policy
• B. A supervisor asks you to misreport data; comply to meet the deadline
• C. A coworker asks you to take longer to complete a task
• D. You notice a minor error and do nothing

Answer: (C)

The key idea is acting with integrity when faced with pressure to bend the timeline. When a coworker asks you to take longer to complete a task, it creates an opportunity to hide delays, poor performance, or mislead others about progress. That’s an ethical lapse because it sacrifices honesty and accountability. The proper prevention is to stand firm on the agreed schedule, explain any legitimate obstacles up front, and seek guidance from a supervisor to re-negotiate realistic deadlines if needed. Document the discussion and follow your organization’s escalation process if pressure continues. This approach keeps work transparent and aligned with policy, helping prevent lapses.