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There is growing concern regarding the current trend of "friending" a boss or subordinate on social networking sites. Employment attorneys are warning businesses that this trend is creating liability risks. The online interactions can cause an increase in claims of harrassment, favoritism, wrongful termination and discrimination. Information that is provided on social networking sites regarding age, group affiliations, health problems, recreational habits and other personal attributes could be used or be seen as being used to influence employment decisions.
Employment attorneys are advising businesses to update there policies and ban managers from "friending" subordinates.
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It is very smart for employment attorneys to make these advisements because being "friends" with those that you work with can be dangerous to your career, whether you are a boss or a subordinate. Although at the same time if people were to use discretion and a bit of common sense when using social networking sites many of these problems could be avoided. Many college career centers advise students looking for jobs and internships to make their sites private and to be wary of other greaduates "friending" them in order to give employers access to their page. It would seem to make sense that if you would recognize the importance of protecting your private life when looking for a job you would also recognize the importance of maintaining discretion about your personal life once you have a job.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this policy. I was once advised by a respected former employer that giving nice gifts even at the holidays can seem inappropriate. I didn't think anything of a Cross pen engraved with her initials but to a coworker it looks like I'm trying to win favor by giving her a gift. Or they might think I'm earning much more money if I can afford that. At the time, I was a little put off by her comments but over the years I have grown to understand and appreciate the sentiment behind her advice. (And she did keep the pen on her desk in plain sight so it's not like she refused it or hid it away.) I am more careful when giving gifts to superiors now.
ReplyDeletePutting this scenario into cyber-terminology, making "friends" with a boss online can give a similar impression of favoritism, especially if online connections aren't happening with coworkers for whatever reason. Bottom line: personal and business do not often mix well.
I agree as well i know a few friends who are in management positions and friend peopel they supervise on myspace or facebook and it has caused so much drama and unprofessionalism and now they have a harder time being "the boss" with those individuals.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this completely. There have been stories in the past where comments made by employees on Facebook has landed them in hot water or even on the unemployment line. Why take the risk of that happening?
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