What would you do if you discovered a co-worker was stealing from the company?
This question aims to assess your character and sense of integrity. Often, doing the right thing isn't easy and takes courage. It also requires diplomacy and discretion. Familiarize yourself with their policy for raising such concerns while being diplomatic in your answer.
"My reaction to employee theft would differ if I were a retail associate or a retail manager. If I were a manager and caught an employee stealing, I would terminate them immediately. If I were an associate, I would report the incident according to company protocol. I would avoid approaching the employee as I would not want to make it a personal issue."
"I value honesty so if I saw a co-worker stealing; I would tell my manager immediately. Do you have a process in place for reporting these types of situations?"
From IKEA's website: "We are all responsible for protecting company assets and must report any loss, or risk of loss, to our nearest manager. If you experience or observe misconduct in a work-related context, we would like you to speak up. We trust you will report in the way that feels most comfortable to you. We encourage open and honest dialogue. Often it is possible to address a concern directly with the person involved, or with the support of one of your nearest managers, or, if needed, any higher level manager, or a colleague from HR. However, we also realise that there are concerns for which a more neutral way of reporting is better or feels more suitable. No matter which of the options you choose, we will listen and follow-up appropriately."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
If I discovered a co-worker stealing product or money I'd report it to a supervisor.
Rachelle's Feedback
Try mentioning that you would absorb the employee honesty program training, following the IKEA protocol as mentioned in the interview question.
"Since IKEA has a strong loss-prevention plan in place, I would fully absorb your employee honesty training and follow the steps as trained. I appreciate working with honest people and would not hesitate to report any theft or unlawful behavior."
Anonymous Answer
I would first confront the person, and try to get them to confess to what they did. If that did not work, I would immediately report them to my supervisor.
Marcie's Feedback
This is a good response. Confronting the person is fine but consider mentioning that you would only do so after you've confirmed that they are definitely stealing and within a private meeting with the aim of having them confess to a supervisor while you are present. Following up by reporting them if they don't do it themselves shows the interviewer that you won't tolerate dishonesty even if it requires you to stick your head out. Nice job!
Anonymous Answer
I would notify my immediate supervisor or the asset protection manager.
Marcie's Feedback
This would be a good course of action to take. To further build upon your answer, consider mentioning that you would start by observing and gathering information to make sure that you aren't falsely accusing someone. Then you might confront your coworker in a non-judgemental and private manner, encouraging them to turn themselves in, before going to your supervisor if necessary.
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