"Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum" in the Workplace

During my time studying at the Faculty of Law, I was introduced to two Latin maxims. The first is "Nullum Delictum Nulla Poena Sine Praevia Lege Poenali", which translates to "no crime, no punishment without a previous penal law." The second is "Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum", meaning "let justice be done, though the heavens fall." Both of these maxims are foundational concepts that law students must understand.

Of the two maxims, I became particularly interested in "fiat justitia ruat caelum," a phrase attributed to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, a consul in Rome and also the father-in-law of Julius Caesar. I intend to discuss this phrase not in the context of law itself, but rather in relation to integrity in the workplace.

The Latin maxim "fiat justitia ruat caelum," translating to "Let justice be done, though the heavens fall," is a powerful principle that underscores the importance of justice and righteousness above all else. In the context of the workplace, this principle can be intricately linked to maintaining what is right, upholding integrity, and eschewing the "Yes-Man" or "Asal Bapak Senang" (ABS) attitude. Here is a detailed exploration of how this timeless maxim applies to these critical aspects of professional life.

1. Maintaining What is Right

The essence of "fiat justitia ruat caelum" lies in an unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness, irrespective of the consequences. In a professional setting, this translates to:

Adhering to Truth and Accuracy : Employees and leaders alike must commit to decisions based on factual accuracy and ethical considerations. For instance, when faced with a situation where a project’s viability is in question due to initial miscalculations, the principle demands that one acknowledges the error and seeks corrective action, rather than concealing the truth to avoid immediate repercussions.

Courage to Stand Up : Upholding what is right often requires courage, especially in challenging situations. Professionals who embody this maxim are willing to stand up against unethical practices, even if it means facing opposition or risking their positions. By doing so, they ensure that the workplace operates on a foundation of fairness and integrity.

2. Upholding Integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of ethical professional conduct. The principle of "fiat justitia ruat caelum" underscores the necessity of integrity by advocating for:

Consistency in Ethical Behavior : True integrity means consistently acting in alignment with moral principles, regardless of external pressures. This includes transparency in communication, honesty in reporting, and fairness in decision-making processes. Professionals must avoid deceitful practices and remain steadfast in their ethical convictions.

Building Trust : Integrity fosters trust among colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. A professional who consistently upholds integrity becomes a reliable figure, creating an environment where trust is paramount. This trust not only enhances individual relationships but also strengthens the overall organizational culture.

3. Avoiding the "Yes-Man" Attitude

The "Yes-Man" attitude, where employees agree with their superiors merely to please them, is detrimental to organizational health. "Fiat justitia ruat caelum" directly opposes this behavior by emphasizing:

Authentic Feedback : Professionals must provide honest and constructive feedback, even if it is not what superiors want to hear. Authentic feedback is crucial for growth and improvement. An organization that encourages honest dialogue over appeasement cultivates a more innovative and resilient culture.

Prioritizing Long-term Success Over Short-term Approval: While the ABS attitude may lead to short-term approval from superiors, it often undermines long-term success by allowing problems to fester unaddressed. By prioritizing integrity and truth, professionals ensure sustainable success and ethical standards are maintained.

Practical Applications in Professional Life

Scenario 1 : Project Management

Consider a project manager who discovers a significant flaw in the execution plan of an ongoing project. Applying "fiat justitia ruat caelum," the manager chooses to disclose the issue to all stakeholders, proposing a revised plan despite potential backlash. This decision, rooted in integrity and a commitment to what is right, ultimately leads to a more robust and successful project outcome.

Scenario 2 : Team Dynamics

In a team setting, an employee notices that a proposed strategy involves ethical compromises. Instead of silently agreeing to avoid conflict or gain favor, the employee speaks up, suggesting alternatives that uphold ethical standards. This action not only prevents potential harm but also fosters a culture of honesty and ethical responsibility within the team.

Conclusion

"Fiat justitia ruat caelum" serves as a guiding beacon for maintaining righteousness, upholding integrity, and rejecting the detrimental Yes-Man attitude in the workplace. By embodying this principle, professionals can navigate the complexities of their roles with a steadfast commitment to justice and ethical conduct. In doing so, they contribute to a work environment that values truth, trust, and long-term success over short-term convenience or superficial approval. This timeless maxim, therefore, remains profoundly relevant in fostering a just and principled professional landscape.