“Small” Lies, Big Trouble: The Unfortunate Consequences of Résumé Padding, from Janet Cooke to George O'Leary |
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Authors: | Roland E Kidwell Jr |
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Institution: | (1) University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA |
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Abstract: | Lying and dysfunctional impression management have been identified as two serious forms of deviant behavior in organizations.
One manifestation of such behavior is distortion of one's résumé. In 1981, Janet Cooke lost American journalism's highest
honor, the Pulitzer Prize, and her job when her work was exposed as a hoax. The revelation surfaced after it was discovered
that she had lied on her résumé and her biographical record. Twenty years later, football coach George O'Leary resigned from
one of the most coveted jobs in college sports when it was discovered that he had falsified his academic and athletic accomplishments
decades earlier. This paper summarizes the two cases — their similarities and differences — and places them in the context
of organizational deviance. The case studies provide discussion points, practical advice and instructional material for students
in business ethics and management classes. Lessons include the importance of preparing accurate, unvarnished résumés and the
morally bankrupt nature of allegedly minor distortions that can later cause huge trouble for the individuals and the institutions
involved. |
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Keywords: | |
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