“What would you do as a manager if you came across two of your employees reading
ID: 418126 • Letter: #
Question
“What would you do as a manager if you came across two of your employees reading their friend’s status updates on Facebook when they should be working?...Many reasons are given by employees for why they are spending time surfing the internet on websites unrelated to work. The number one reason was that they do not feel challenged enough in their job. Other reasons include (2) they work too many hours, (3) the company does not give them sufficient incentive to work harder, (4) they are unsatisfied with their career, and (5) they are just bored.
Although these may seem like fun and harmless activities, it is estimated that such technological distractions cost businesses over US$54 billion annually in the US alone. In Australia, internet filtering specialists SurfControl has estimated that if just one employee spent an hour a day on Facebook, it could cost their business $6,200 a year. With 800,000 businesses in Australia, these figures translate to $5 billion a year.”
A. What are the ethical issues in this case for both the employer and the employees?
(7 marks)
B. Examine the benefits of social learning theory. How can this theory be used to address the ethical issues in this case?
(8 marks)
C. Is this case relevant to Generation Y? Discuss your response and provide examples.
(10 marks)
Explanation / Answer
A) The ethical issues in the context of employer would be that if the employees have completed their work assignments then the employer can't question the employees. Besides in the case of a scenario where the nature of work is not creating value / motivating, then in such cases the employer can't ethically question. Whereas in the case of the employee, the ethical issue would be that in the designated work hours, they are using social networking sites which is not justified. Ethically, the same time in the stipulated working hours could have been used by the employee in a constructive manner which would have added value to the organisation and the aligned role and responsibilities.
B) The prime benefits of the social learning theory are that it highlights the importance of individual behaviour being influenced by external factors (people, situations) and other influences. It mentions that learning could happen by observing other behaviour and the related actions and results. The importance is underscored of the aspect that cognitive abilities / functions, environment and individual / group of people conduct are inter -related to each other. As people learn through observing, emulating each other.
For a resolution of the mentioned issues, the social learning theory could be instrumental as it would give an insight into identifying the reasons for the employees behaving in such manner. The theory would help in connecting the dots between the employer and the employee to frame a mutually fulfilling work responsibilities.
C) The mentioned case scenario is certainly relevant in perspective of Generation Y. As in the prevailing times, the prominence of social media modes of communication and its usage has significantly used. Here, as this particular generation is digital and electronic savvy hence they have to dealt with accordingly considering their behavioural patterns and trends. For instance, / example, an employee who has the tendency to be very active on social media. His skills and inclination could be constructively used for adding value to the organisational functions such as market intelligence activities, connecting / networking with the right target group (existing / prospective) customers through the social media platforms (such as Facebook, LinkedIn, etc).
Thus, as highlighted above assessing the given scenario objectively, a solution could be arrived at which is viable and serves the best interests of the organisation. This would harmonise the work environment, relation between the employer, employee and will be in adherence with the ethical norms / parameters as well.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.