How to Spot an Ethical Dilemma

In addition to complying with the rules—such as the law, this Code or Operational Policies and Procedures—we at Winrock also have a duty to act ethically and do the “right thing.” Sometimes that is not a clear path. If you have a concern that you or another employee may be acting unethically, or want to discuss an ethical dilemma, speak up. Reach out to any of those identified below, including the Risk and Compliance Officer (whose duties include ethics). Here are some red flags that may indicate an ethical issue:

• Is it legal?
• Does it comply with our Code of Conduct?
• Does it serve our Core Values of Accountability, Equity, Innovation, Integrity and Transformation?
• Are you or someone else trying to keep it a secret?
• Is it something Winrock would not want publicized in the news or on social media?
• If this decision was made public, would you feel comfortable explaining it to colleagues or even supervisors?
• Is your judgement impartial, or do you have a personal stake in the outcome that makes you less objective?
• What if everyone at Winrock did it—would that be OK?

For further guidance, please view our Ethical Decision Making Tool here.

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