Question

1-23. Planning: Constructing a Persuasive Argument [LO-2], Chapter 12 Blogging is a popular way for employees to communicate with customers and other parties outside the company. In some cases employee blogs have been quite beneficial for both companies and their customers by providing helpful information and “putting a human face” on other formal and imposing corporations. In other cases, however, employees have been fired for posting information that their employers said was inappropriate. One particular area of concern is criticism of the company or individual managers. Should employees be allowed to criticize their employers in a public forum such as a blog? In a brief email message, argue for or against company policies that prohibit critical information in employee blogs.

Answer 1

Date: 27^th May 2019

From: Jack Smith, Manager

To: Bertrand Green, Employee-level 1

Subject- Reg. critical information in employee blogs.

I am writing in reference to your blog dated 25^th May 2019. I understand from the blog that you have had dissatisfaction with your boss, John Watson. I would like to let you first understand the implications your blog would have on the employees and the organization as a whole.

If you are not satisfied or frustrated with working with Mr. Watson, you should first escalate it to your manager for a resolution. A personal discussion could have taken place and the conflict would have resolved amicably between you and Mr. Watson. However, your blog has spoiled the reputation of the company. We have a well equipped and talented workforce for the past 22 years and your blog has just taken a minute to shatter the name we have gained in the industry.

I would also regret to highlight the fact that our employees have turned a negative attitude towards Mr. Watson and doubt the job security that was not so previously. This has largely decreased the employee morale and the performance has significantly reduced after your blog was posted.

In addition to the above, the employee grievance Redressal agency has requested for explanation for the blog and this is considered as a negative impact for the organization. We are now in the phase of answering all our stakeholders.

We regretfully inform you that you are terminated because your public criticism blog is against the company policy which has provided greater damage to our organization.

Please contact me for further information.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

Jack Smith, Manager