Assignment
Is It Private and Confidential?
Timothy and Shian Yan were lunchtime buddies at the Pavilion Park Hotel in Singapore. Shian Yan is the HR manager, and Timothy often shared his personal and work problems with her. One particular incident that Timothy shared with Shian Yan was his unhappiness about being sidestepped for promotion last year even though he was rated very well by his supervisor. The feedback given to him was that although he was easily the best performer at the job, he was also the most junior "I'm not sure if I can take it if I don't get my promotion again this year, Yan," complained Timothy. "I mean, what's the logic? I have worked hard and I deserve it! This year, if they tell me I'm not being promoted simply because I am one or two years too young, I'm going to leave and join another company that will appreciate my contributions more. But please don't mention this to anyone, because I don't want to jeopardize my chances." At the appraisal meeting, Timothy's promotion was discussed and the decision was again not to promote him. "Give him another year. He's not quite ready to be made audit manager yet. He needs more development, because the promotion comes with heavy responsibilities. There will be more opportunities for him to be made manager. He's not yet able to manage the team of auditors," said Ivan, Timothy's head of department. "Well, I'm afraid you might have to look for someone else to manage the auditors then. Timothy had told me that if he doesn't get his promotion, he is going to resign. Believe me, there are plenty of organizations out there willing to grab a hot young talent like him! We need to promote him to retain him," Shian Yan said. "Is that so? Timothy told you? That sounds like blackmail to me! Well, he can leave anytime he wants to. I'm not giving in to threats like this!" said Ivan.
Questions
1. Does good intention justify Shian Yan's breach of Timothy's confidence? Discuss.
2. From an ethical standpoint, discuss Shian Yan's divulging Timothy's intention to resign at the appraisal meeting.
3. Discuss alternative actions that Shian Yan can take to exercise her role in the appraisal meeting more effectively.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.