Archive for the ‘Law & Ethics’ Category

What is the balance between free speach and the requirement that managers oppose union organizing activity?

Thursday, January 8th, 2009
BlueGolfer asked:


I am a manager with a large, multinational company. Our company recently held union awareness and avoidance training for all salaried personnel, requiring us to oppose union-organizing efforts at all times. Where exactly is the line between this requirement and free speech? Does it extend off company property and off company time? For example, consider the following: a company employee approaches a manager and asks “personally, what do you think about unions”. Now, for sake of argument, let’s say the manager is left leaning and is in support of industrial trade unions. Is the manager required to hold to the company line? Can the company fire someone for giving his or her own opinion?

Debra

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Posted in Law & Ethics | 5 Comments »

Law Enforcement?

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
personnel consulting
tam_cam05 asked:


Law enforcement administrators use a variety of management styles to set policies and make decisions. In some instances, an immediate decision is required and an authoritative type of style is utilized. In others, more time is available in which to make decisions and a more deliberate approach is possible.

Consider the following:

Due to the recent terrorist attacks in London where four individuals attempted to bomb public transit locations, the police chief has decided to position officers at the public transit stations in your city. The officers are to search any bag, purse, briefcase, and backpack of all passengers. The police chief made that decision immediately after the news of the London incident appeared and did not consult with anyone before issuing the order.

Discuss the management style used in making this decision. Discuss whether you agree with this decision. Remember, almost all public safety decisions of this type involve other entities, many of them private businesses. Address the following issues: Was this a good decision? Was there time to consult with other agencies and personnel before implementing this? Is this an appropriate time to make a unilateral decision, or should more reflection be undertaken before exercising this option?

Heidi

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Posted in Law & Ethics | 1 Comment »

How can I access the “Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures” for the US federal courts?

Friday, September 12th, 2008
personnel consulting
SHABRACADABRA asked:


I know that it can be accessed from directly inside a federal courthouse, but I cannot find it online or in any library. Is there a way to get into “jnet” from the outside? Supposedly this is one of the most-consulted (and critical) books in a federal courtroom, and yet I can’t find it anywhere!

NOTE: I am looking for access to the ENTIRE Guide, NOT just a random section! (If you can only find one section, the one I need most is Volume I (Administrative Manual), Chapter X (Personnel Policies and Procedures)). THANKS!

Justin

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Posted in Law & Ethics | No Comments »

Do Corporations have a responsibility to train all disciplines which represent them? Or can they choose?

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008
personnel training
Texas Professional asked:


If by law the discipline you are in has to be there for the corporation to legally exist in this industry, then aren’t they responsible for making sure all personnel are trained in what they have to do for that job in order to be successful? Or can they say it is a problem for those locally or regionally and just provide a generalized 40 hour orientation? Please note, No procedural training to be successful is provided.
It’s different in the HealthCare industry, A Doctor, RN, Social Worker, etc…. these fields require degrees and certifications. That is really straight forward. But say a discipline is required to meet a Federal and State standard, cna the company hire and not even train an individual in the paperwork process requirements to meet this standard. And if it has a 75 (+)% turnover rate due to lack of training and support when other disciplines are trained by the company…isn’t this discrimitory, that some get trained and others don’t to be successful?
It’s different in the HealthCare industry, A Doctor, RN, Social Worker, etc…. these fields require degrees and certifications. That is really straight forward. But say a discipline is required to meet a Federal and State standard, can the company hire and not even train an individual in the paperwork process requirements to meet this standard. And if it has a 75 (+)% turnover rate due to lack of training and support when other disciplines are trained by the company…isn’t this discriminatory, that some groups get trained and others don’t to be successful in their jobs?

James

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Posted in Law & Ethics | No Comments »

Employee falsely accused?

Monday, May 19th, 2008
personnel consulting
Fahrside asked:


We are a small agency and I have yet to turn to legal consult on this, and will probably shortly. I have one employee who has made accusations about another employee’s conduct. Specifically, that the employee has been trying to recruit member of the public that this agency serves into her religion, Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have discussed this with the accused employee and since the accuser provided specific names of those who have been targeted we approached them about the accusation.

Those who have been approached have 100% refuted the claim that they were ever solicited with information regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses.

My question is, what are the ramifications for the accusing employee? Is this a firing offense? Our personnel manual doesn’t provide specific guidance on how to handle such a situation.

Ruth

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Posted in Law & Ethics | 9 Comments »