Raising ethical concerns with a colleague

Key ideas

Informal resolution

Under Standard 1.04, a psychologist who believes another psychologist may have violated the Code brings it to that person's attention, if an informal resolution appears appropriate and doing so would not violate anyone's confidentiality rights.

Further action

Under Standard 1.05, if an apparent violation has substantially harmed or is likely to substantially harm someone, and is not suited to or not resolved by informal means, the psychologist takes further action, such as referral to an ethics committee, licensing board or institutional authority.

When the duty does not apply

Neither standard applies when acting would violate confidentiality rights, for example when the information came from a client who has not agreed. Standard 1.05 also does not apply when the psychologist was retained to review the colleague's conduct.

Fair complaints

Standard 1.07 bars complaints made with reckless disregard for, or willful ignorance of, facts that would disprove them. Standard 1.08 bars denying anyone employment, advancement or admission solely because they made, or are the subject of, an ethics complaint.

Why peers matter

Colleagues are often first to see a problem. In a meta-analysis of surveys, about 2% of scientists admitted fabricating or falsifying data at least once, while about 14% reported knowing of a colleague's falsification (Fanelli, 2009).

The CPA Code

Principle IV, Responsibility to Society, likewise asks psychologists to raise concerns directly with a colleague when an action seems to reflect a lack of sensitivity, knowledge or experience, and to bring serious unethical actions to the appropriate regulatory body.

Worked example

A psychologist in a group practice notices flyers in the waiting room for a line of herbal supplements and learns that a colleague sells them to his therapy clients during sessions, from a stock in his office. Nothing suggests he sees a problem with it.

1. Decide whether there is an apparent violation: selling products to clients in session creates a financial conflict of interest and a risk of exploiting people over whom he has authority (Standards 3.06 and 3.08).
2. Check whether an informal approach fits: the information came from the flyers and the colleague, not from a client in confidence, and he seems unaware, so Standard 1.04 points to speaking with him first.
3. Meet privately and soon, describe exactly what was seen, explain the concern, and ask him to stop the sales and consider how to make things right with clients who bought them.
4. Follow up. If the sales continue and clients are being harmed, Standard 1.05 calls for further action, such as raising it with the practice owner or the licensing board.

Go to the colleague first when it is safe and suitable, be specific, and take it further if harm continues.