it's relative. yes, if there is some real 'stink' about them, it could rub off on you in unexpected and unintended ways. however, if you weren't in a management position (ie, you had nothing to do with their alleged practices), it may stink as bad.

all of this would be easier for a subsequent employer to take if they have a highly desirable experience background (ie, healthcare specialists), since those skills will translate out.

the bigger worry you should have is with the clients they work with - they're going to be your future references, so make sure they don't associate you with the troubles of the firm. they may not know your culpability or not.

There is no moral in the business world.

You only worry should be whether that law-suit can affect you (unpayments, end of business, etc.)

I meant your instead of you.

There is a moral in the business world, and I think in our time, as well as almost any other, it's defined by time scale.

Do you want to make money in the short term whilst screwing over your consumer base like BP or do you want to help not only your consumer base, but the entire constituency as well, and in doing so ensure a long term source of income, like sustainable energy?

And in a more banal/pragmatic sense:

That said, at least in the States, the AIA stipulates a code of moral conduct and violating that has revoked licensure for some in the past whilst ensuring a lack of projects in the future [Scarano in NYC comes to mind].

If a company is know for screwing people/other companies over, don't expect to be handled with gentle care...

Hawkin, there is absolutely morality in the business world. To say otherwise is foolish.

jplourde, only one nitpick: the AIA can't revoke your license to practice; only the state licensing board grants and revokes licenses. That said, most states have a code of conduct for architects written into their licensing laws.

citizen4nr, you said this: I know from a principle and moral standpoint I probably would not want to work for them... This makes me think you would say no to their job offer. However, it's entirely your decision, and in this economy giving them the benefit of the doubt and taking the job may be an opportunity to see from the inside whether the allegations - are they only allegations at this point? - are true or not.

If there is a lawsuit going on, are they likely to change their business practices because of it? Are the allegations stemming from verifiable sources? Is it a case of making a series of mistakes, or of purposely engaging in malicious behaviour? All of these questions may be things can answer from within the job - or they might not be.

As outed said (and his whole post is good), if there is a real stink about this firm, then yes, it could affect your future job prospects. Do you have good relationships with anyone in hiring positions in other firms in your community who might be able to advise you whether they themselves would hesitate to hire someone who had worked at this questionable firm?

a class action lawsuit against an architecture firm? that sounds unlikely, but if true, even if you don't reveal the firm, i'd love to know what they did.

Donna,
You are right in assuming that I might turn down their job offer (I may not have a job, but I might be able to sleep at night). However, I have also considered possibly taking the job to see what it is really like. I cannot answer whether or not their actions have been malicious or planned or whatnot, only what I have read about in my research.
Here is my question, at least to the people here who are in charge or are in a position to hire. Would you as an employer see this (being on my resume) as a negative?
Won, all I can say is that had to do with their business practice and their (alleged) policy concerning their clients.
All in all, I will still come to the interview, to see for myself, and at the very least get some interview experience.

ps- that makes me wonder, should I bring up their legal issue at all at the interview? My guess is no.

It really depends on what you are talking about. There are too many variables and unknowns for anyone (here) to suggest a clear direction.

"Unethical" and "immoral" are subjective, for the most part. Business is business, people get screwed, screw people, etc., etc., all the time.

I've learned why lawyers get paid well, get paid quickly and are absolutely necessary in the business world. People sue people all the time, everyday, and one side is sure it is "right" and the other can be completely sure that they are "right".

Point being, make sure you understand the reality of it all. It's like someone being accused of something, then being convicted by the press regardless of their true innocence.

Just make sure that you have the conclusive facts and aren't going on some rumors or things that can't be unsubstantiated, lotsa bitter people out there, particularly in today's world.



Lastly, money is money, jobs are jobs. You have to weight what things mean to you. I/we all know many people out there that aren't the most ethical/moral, but business is business and sometimes you have to look past personal feelings (not always, of course, always a balance).


In the end, as we've all heard, no one looks out for you but yourself, regardless of how moral, ethical, 'good', etc. Decide how beneficial it would be for you and work back from that. In today's world, there isn't the luxury of hand picking your next paycheck.



ps - I wouldn't bring up anything unless it was concluded, proven, finalized, whatever, legally. "Pending" or "alleged" means nothing.



Lastly, you have to be careful about drawing conclusions about people, their business, etc., based on 'what you've read' or 'what some ex employee told you'. I've have plenty of clients that seemed unscrupulous come through and some that seemed like I could trust them with my pet (if I had one!) screw me - you just never know and people, in the name of "business", will protect themselves first, always. That's simple survival. Sadly.

trace
darwin would love you...then maybe eat you...but out of love