Post by Springjay on May 11, 2022 15:03:49 GMT 9
This topic came up today in my office and I thought I'd share it here to spark a discussion.
We offer consultation windows with various foreign language support in our office; foreigners (not limited to JETs) living in my city can come in to get advice about daily life issues and we also can help them do procedures at city hall.
I recently helped one foreign resident who was applying for a subsidy, as he said he lost his job due to Covid. After going to the appropriate window at city hall and helping him complete the subsidy application, he confided in me (in English) that he lied on the application in order to receive more money. He never lost his job, but just wanted to get the money because he had heard you don't have to repay it. The Japanese worker clearly didn't speak English and definitely didn't hear this.
Personally I wanted to report it immediately, but it was hard to speak up in the moment. My office also takes a strong stance of remaining a neutral, third party at all times; only interpret what is necessary and leave all personal feelings out of it. So in the end, I didn't report it.
What would you do in that situation?
Where do you draw the line in ethical situations like this?
We offer consultation windows with various foreign language support in our office; foreigners (not limited to JETs) living in my city can come in to get advice about daily life issues and we also can help them do procedures at city hall.
I recently helped one foreign resident who was applying for a subsidy, as he said he lost his job due to Covid. After going to the appropriate window at city hall and helping him complete the subsidy application, he confided in me (in English) that he lied on the application in order to receive more money. He never lost his job, but just wanted to get the money because he had heard you don't have to repay it. The Japanese worker clearly didn't speak English and definitely didn't hear this.
Personally I wanted to report it immediately, but it was hard to speak up in the moment. My office also takes a strong stance of remaining a neutral, third party at all times; only interpret what is necessary and leave all personal feelings out of it. So in the end, I didn't report it.
What would you do in that situation?
Where do you draw the line in ethical situations like this?
