Should You Leave a Company Involved in a Scandal?

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TempA Wall Street Journal article explores the impact on employees whose company embarrasses them. When mired in a scandal, the company no longer reflects our values, and we may want to end the association.

An employee at Uber, for example, left after news about sexual harassment became public. Her family questioned her affiliation and, as she describes, "staying there would have meant going against what I believe in." Employees who want to live their values may feel better leaving. Of course, this assumes that people have opportunities elsewhere, which isn't the case for everyone.

The article warns against making a rash decision and suggests alternatives:  

WHEN YOUR EMPLOYER'S IMAGE STRESSES YOU OUT

  • Take time to calm feelings of stress or anxiety.
  • Consider other options before quitting.
  • Spend more time on job tasks that are meaningful to you.
  • Find something to love in your company's mission.
  • Try to fix some part of the company's problem that you can control.
  • Strengthen relationships with people at work you enjoy.
  • Mentor and encourage subordinates who show promise.
  • Work on building skills that will help you in the future.

Discussion:

  • Have you been a part of organization that didn't align with your values? How did you handle the situation?
  • Which of the article's suggestions do you find most and least useful? Which have you used in the past?