Ethics Discussion

One of your direct reports, Robert, belongs to a fundamentalist church. While you have no problems with anyone's religious beliefs, Robert is so vocal about his religion that it's becoming a problem with other employees in your department. He not only preaches to his fellow employees, but also he has criticized the attire of some of his female co workers, and continually quotes the bible in staff meetings. You've received complaints about his behavior from several employees. A few weeks ago, you suggested to Robert that he tone down his preaching, and he reacted as if you were a heathen about to persecute him for his beliefs. His behavior has since escalated.

It’s important in this situation to understand the line that needs to be drawn between acceptable diversity and harassment. It is my job as the manager to find a balance between respecting Robert’s religious beliefs while also protecting the rights of all of my employee’s. Finding a balance of acceptable diversity in the work place and the respect of the organization as a whole would be where the ethical issue comes into play. Since I have already addressed Robert about my concerns of his flamboyance about his religious views and he has ignored my warning, it would be the best option to document his behavior. I think it would be important to stress to Robert that while we respect his religious beliefs, he in return has to respect the feelings and religious beliefs of his fellow coworkers. I would try to be as sensitive as possible to Robert’s feeling because religion in the workplace can be a sensitive subject to discuss. However I would stand firm behind why I will have to take further actions to document his behavior. While the conservation could go either way and Robert can choose to head my advice or go off the deep end and maybe get hostile, I would definitely address the issue in private. Would also try to get Robert to understand how his actions are making his employees feel. Maybe this