In light of the events of the last few weeks, I offer the following graphic:
Jerk Immoral Illegal
Representative No. Probably. Yes
Job Nexus. No. No. Yes
Here is what the terms mean:
”Jerk” refers to offensive behavior that does not involve violence or an abuse of power.
”Immoral” means conduct involving an abuse of power that is not illegal.
”Illegal” speaks for itself.
”Representative” means you cannot abide the idea of such a person acting as your agent in public.
”Job nexus” means the offensive conduct is clearly tied to the qualifications for the job. For example, one wouldn’t hire a known liar as a bookkeeper.
As you can see, I don’t view jerkish behavior as being a job disqualification, although it might be if the behavior persists and the job is very public. Illegal behavior is always a disqualification even if there is no nexus to the job itself. Immoral behavior is the closest call. It depends on how egregious the facts are.