Never allow problem to fester

Today's Manager, Dec-Jan, 2008 by Ranbir Singh

Electrode Inc was right in dismissing Christopher because if they had dithered, then there was the danger of more staff falling victims to his borrowings. Worse still, Christopher may have undermined the company by moonlighting with rival organisations, or tapping into Electrode's revenues.

Manager KK Ong was right in reporting Christopher's loans to top management. However, he did so only when his favourite subordinate, Colleen, became a victim. He is biased. He had enough evidence and should have probed and reported on Christopher earlier. He should be counseled on this as he holds an executive position.

Instituting compulsory staff seminars is reactive. Electrode's management should have instituted a company-wide annual declaration form for all staff to declare their gambling debts and other debts whether secured or unsecured.

In Christopher's case, it is evident that his borrowing problem is not a new one. Management should have noted it earlier from the grapevine but chose to keep quiet about it and allowed the problem to fester. This is abdication of social responsibility to the staff.--Contributed by Ranbir Singh