What would you do if a coworker asked you to help them steal?

Costco States, "What do Costco's Mission Statement and Code of Ethics have to do with you? EVERYTHING! The continued success of our Company depends on how well each of Costco's employees adheres to the high standards mandated by our Code of Ethics. No matter what your current job is, you can put Costco's Code of Ethics to work every day. By always choosing to do the right thing, you will build your self-esteem, increase your chances for success and make Costco more successful, too."

The interviewer would like to know how you would react if put in an awkward, or potentially harmful situation like being asked by a co-worker to steal with them. Theft can occur in many ways in the workplace and is not necessarily reserved for blatantly taking a product. Ensure that you are aware of the different ways a co-worker may try to pass stealing off as 'no big deal.'

- Timecard fabrication, also known as "buddy punching," where you punch in for a co-worker who is not present
- 'Borrowing' money from the cash register
- Falsifying vendor or expense accounts
- Taking items from the lost and found
- Stealing data or documents containing trade secrets
- Taking expensive office supplies like ink or adding personal items to supply orders
- Billing hours to clients that did not work

Of course, you already know how to answer this question! Express that you would never engage in this behavior and discuss how you would report this type of situation. If this has happened to you in the past, you can talk about the case.