Question

You have been working for a fairly well-established investment firm for the last four months. You and a coworker were both assigned to write a report on the same startup business to determine if you should invest in it. Your coworker asked to see your report to verify some data. The next day, you and your coworker hand in the same report.

In your initial post, consider these questions:
How would you feel in this situation?
How would you deal with this type of plagiarism situation in the workplace?
What actions should your boss take?

Answer 1

In this situation, you would feel betrayed and frustrated when you find out that your coworker copied your report without asking. Plagiarism is wrong and can harm trust in the workplace.

To handle this situation at work:

1. Talk to your coworker calmly and professionally about what happened. Ask for an explanation and give them a chance to share their side of the story.

2. Collect evidence such as timestamps or drafts that prove you finished the report before your coworker copied it.

3. Inform your supervisor or boss about the plagiarism, providing them with the evidence and explaining what happened.

4. Follow your company's policies and procedures for reporting ethical violations, including submitting a formal complaint or written statement if required.

5. Your boss should investigate the situation thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary actions if needed, such as reprimanding the coworker, providing ethical training, or implementing preventative measures.

Remember, it's important to address plagiarism in a professional and ethical manner to protect your work and maintain a trustworthy work environment.