Though the recession may be drawing to a close, we are still dealing with the stark reality of very high unemployment rates. Many people have been without work for far longer than they ever thought possible; many others, meanwhile, still have their jobs but live in a state of anxiety as they anticipate the dreaded layoff.

In this context, says Brenda Krueger Huffman at the Marketing Conversation blog, "I find myself thinking more and more of the sentiment that … true personal integrity [lies in] how you treat people [who] can do nothing for you."

Then she describes some colleagues who have prospered in the downturn—those in the best position to help out—who are doing little to connect jobseekers with opportunities.

"[T]hey have been getting tons of networking emails and calls lately from laid-off friends," reports Huffman, "but they don't really seem to … empathize much with their plight. Some may make a call or two on behalf of their closest friends, but many tell me they find these calls awkward and are tired of dealing with them."

Adding insult to injury, some of the gainfully employed blithely flaunt their good fortune, new cars and major projects at Facebook and LinkedIn. "I ... wish nothing but success for all people," Huffman notes. "Yet, I notice this group seems to have not received the internal memo that many are struggling, [and] conspicuous consumption may not be in the best taste right now."

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