Plagiarism in the workplace, what would you do?
Discussion
Where I work we don't have project management software, so when asked to produce a Gantt chart I prepare one using Excel. A colleague who is the kind of employee who needs a lot of things done for them and can't work many things out for themselves, wasn't able to produce their own chart for their project. My boss therefore decided to send them a copy of my chart, which they promptly copied, obviously changing details to reflect their own project. Crucially my boss didn't ask my permission to share the chart. The fact they had shared it only became apparent during a meeting when it was mentioned the head of department couldn't understand my chart, at which point my colleague bleated out well does that mean they didn't understand mine, as I had copied his?!
This is clearly plagiarism, but what would you do about it?
This is clearly plagiarism, but what would you do about it?
EagleMoto4-2 said:
Where I work we don't have project management software, so when asked to produce a Gantt chart I prepare one using Excel. A colleague who is the kind of employee who needs a lot of things done for them and can't work many things out for themselves, wasn't able to produce their own chart for their project. My boss therefore decided to send them a copy of my chart, which they promptly copied, obviously changing details to reflect their own project. Crucially my boss didn't ask my permission to share the chart. The fact they had shared it only became apparent during a meeting when it was mentioned the head of department couldn't understand my chart, at which point my colleague bleated out well does that mean they didn't understand mine, as I had copied his?!
This is clearly plagiarism, but what would you do about it?
Did you copyright it? This is clearly plagiarism, but what would you do about it?
In your circumstances i'd be going straight to the CEO and demanding the other person is fired.
Seriously, you created an excel file that a colleague used as a template. No-one needs to ask your permission. If you really dont want your spreadsheet to become the gold standard then password protect it.
Fair enough, I realise it isn't it isn't an amazing piece of work being passed off as someone else's, however it is a bit annoying that my colleague is so lazy they couldn't even be bothered to take the concept of how a Gantt chart looks and adapt it.
Next time I will send the next iteration, or other piece of work as a pdf so it can't be used as a template.
Next time I will send the next iteration, or other piece of work as a pdf so it can't be used as a template.
I understand you are upset about someone using your spreadsheet without asking you. Its a bit of a slight.
However do you not think that locking down your spreadsheet or PDF'ing it would make you look like a bit of a dick?
You lock spreadsheets to protect sensitive data. You PDF things to prevent something from being interfered with/edited.
Are you looking for promotion at any stage?
Who would you give a promotion to; someone who assist their colleagues, give them tools to work faster providing better outcomes for the business? Or someone who holds onto knowledge & tools to make themselves look better whilst belittling colleagues?
However do you not think that locking down your spreadsheet or PDF'ing it would make you look like a bit of a dick?
You lock spreadsheets to protect sensitive data. You PDF things to prevent something from being interfered with/edited.
Are you looking for promotion at any stage?
Who would you give a promotion to; someone who assist their colleagues, give them tools to work faster providing better outcomes for the business? Or someone who holds onto knowledge & tools to make themselves look better whilst belittling colleagues?
EagleMoto4-2 said:
It's not about looking better, it's about not being taken advantage of. I am also well aware Excel is by far the best package for doing things like this but I work in part of the NHS so we don't always have access to the most appropriate software.
Well from what you've said the guy has been rumbled by making a crap chart.Plagiarism definition : the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own.
He's admitted that it's yours!
Anyway, anything you create for the business when under their employ belongs to them, unless contractually indicated otherwise, so it's the companies Gantt chart, not yours.
He's admitted that it's yours!
Anyway, anything you create for the business when under their employ belongs to them, unless contractually indicated otherwise, so it's the companies Gantt chart, not yours.
iwantagta said:
Taken advantage of???????????????
You made a f
king spreadsheet in WORK time!
If you want recognition speak to your manager and ensure its in your development review.
I dont think they will name a hospital wing after you either way.
Didn't think it would take long for the pond dwellers to emerge!You made a f
king spreadsheet in WORK time! If you want recognition speak to your manager and ensure its in your development review.
I dont think they will name a hospital wing after you either way.
Sometimes I wonder why I do a job that helps people when there are individuals like you roaming the planet.
EagleMoto4-2 said:
Didn't think it would take long for the pond dwellers to emerge!
Sometimes I wonder why I do a job that helps people when there are individuals like you roaming the planet.
Look - i'm sure you are a really nice guy and sorry if I came accross a little strong. Sometimes I wonder why I do a job that helps people when there are individuals like you roaming the planet.
We clearly have different views on what being taken advantage of is but I hope it all works out and you get the recognition and success you desire.
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