Shannow's recent thread "Integrity is what you do when no-one's watching" has me thinking about a current workplace situation I am debating. A month ago I was called to assist an emergency in a different work unit using my time and specialized equipment. In the past decade, our institution operating mode has moved from "we scratch each others backs" to more of a track time and charge expenses for services. I.E., rob Peter to pay Paul in my old timers opinion. We still do stuff for each other under the table, but not nearly as much.
I did the work with no expectation of compensation to my work unit, and they acknowledge awareness of that. No equipment wear/tear - just my time. A month later I received an email offering $500 moved to my account in exchange for my efforts. Remember, this is all monopoly money moving between unit accounts in a large institution.
Immediately after the work was completed, I talked to the other manager and we agreed "it takes a village to raise a child".
What do I do? Reject the money to demonstrate my integrity and principles? Accept the money graciously, acknowledging that they appreciate me?
I did the work with no expectation of compensation to my work unit, and they acknowledge awareness of that. No equipment wear/tear - just my time. A month later I received an email offering $500 moved to my account in exchange for my efforts. Remember, this is all monopoly money moving between unit accounts in a large institution.
Immediately after the work was completed, I talked to the other manager and we agreed "it takes a village to raise a child".
What do I do? Reject the money to demonstrate my integrity and principles? Accept the money graciously, acknowledging that they appreciate me?