When ethical process and corporate goals conflict
It seems that having a set goal of students a rep is responsible for enrolling on a weekly or monthly basis may sometimes conflict with using an ethical process. For example, what if we can clearly see that the best choice for a student is not to attend our school/program, but we are under pressure to meet an enrollment goal that we might not get to without this student, and higher-ups don't support turning students away? The rep can't change corporate policy or culture alone, so what do we do then?
For-profit schools’ recruitment methods have been the subject of intense scrutiny over the last few years, as government investigators, lawmakers and regulators have taken aim at tactics deemed abusive or deceptive. New regulations aimed at these questionable practices should help, however, I believe your integrity should never be comprised. Are you able to speak with your campus leadership regarding your concerns?
Heather,
Thank you for sharing this in the forum. It isn't always easy to do the ethical thing, but it sounds like you are happy with your decision, and the student will be happy as well.
Dr. Jean Norris
I concur in requesting a candid meeting with management. I believe the ethical thing to do in this situation is to assist the student in determining what program/course best fits their needs. Even if it is not the program that you are in charge of. I had a lead meet with me one day who struggles in certain subject areas that are crucial to success. She also has dyslexia. She was hesitant about enrolling so I introduced some other programs my college offers that she may be interested in. Even if she does not enroll in the program I am in charge of, at least I helped her find the path that is best for her.
So if I understand you correctly, you feel that corporate enrollment goals conflict with the goal to enroll students in an ethical manner? Have you had the opportunity to talk to your management team about this potential misalignment? As you have probably noticed in our courses and forums, our focus is to be ethical in all ways and that may mean setting a prospective student free if it becomes clear that your school doesn't fit their goal. I recommend a candid conversation with management at the campus level first to see if others are having the same challenge you are having. As you noted it's difficult to impact corporate culture alone but perhaps if multiple people notice that there is an obvious disconnect, constructive feedback can impact change in culture. Good luck and let us know how it works out Christe.
Dr. Jean Norris
So far, the solution is to do what corporate says. That's why I'm asking the question...I can't suggest other programs here because we have a very narrow focus (all within the same field).
Christe,
Great question. What are some possible solutions, do you think?
Dr. Jean Norris
