Case Study Two Facing the Music

Mark Yeo and James Wood, your HR officer walk into your office looking very worried and slightly agitated, with each other. Mark starts by saying he has been using the new HR tools and found using AI systems that he can profile the organisations staff far more comprehensively.

He says that his research has uncovered several profiles which concerns to him. He then opens a file he has brought in with him and starts to identify the three key employees of concern. Mary Wilson, he notes is on holiday in Bali at the moment and has posted several partying pictures of herself drinking heavily. Mark notes she is a Financial Controller, and Mark suggest this is sending the wrong message to their clients. He also uncovered Paul a senior manager from PR has historical tweets critical of government management of the Covid schemes and appears that he is an anti-vaxxer. Finally, Dave from accounts has been critical of the lack of transparency of the Chinese government in the whole Covid saga. Markss intense expression emphasised the point that he sees these as serious negative reflection of the organisation as international governments are the main clients of the organisation. As this point James chips in and say this is all very well and good but what people do and say in their own private chat room is their business. Mark responds not if it reflects negatively on the organisation.

As HR officer, I think these people should be disciplined say Mark.

Hang on Mark interjected James you cant just go and tell people what they can and cannot say outside of work. Im sorry Mark, I cant agree with you. Mark pushed his chair back and turned to face you. What do you think? James asked.

Questions:

How would you reply?