How to raise an ethical concern with courage, professionalism and judgement
Knowing something is wrong and saying something about it are very different competencies.
Junior professionals have to navigate hierarchy, authority, client relationships, belonging and fear of being perceived as difficult.
“Speak up” therefore needs to become a practical interpersonal skill, not merely an instruction.
A real developmental issue: professional courage plus relational skill.
The challenge is learning how to challenge without becoming aggressive, remain respectful without becoming silent, ask questions without automatically accusing, and escalate appropriately when necessary.
SAICA expects trainees to understand reporting mechanisms and, where necessary, bring ethical issues to light despite possible negative personal or business consequences.
Its guidance also specifically identifies speaking up and not being improperly influenced by a client or senior as examples of ethical behaviour.
SAICA competency connection
Strong alignment with:
I3 Professional Ethics: objectivity, integrity, professional behaviour and resisting undue influence.
This session includes:
Why a Training Officer would choose this session
You are teaching ethical courage as a learnable behavioural skill.
That is much more useful to a 22-year-old trainee than being told to “speak up when something is wrong”.
