Arguably, the accessibility of employee file is determined by various policies and laws. As a matter of fact, employees should not be allowed to have access to their personnel files. The accessibility of personal files by employees may weaken the management department within an organization. I totally agree with the fact that employee personal files should be off the limits of every employee. One of the main reasons of preventing employees to access their personal file is to protect the privacy of the employee and the employer in the organization.
The employer will be in a better position of managing the employee, especially if the employee is prevented from accessing personal files. If the employee is allowed to access his/her personal file, they will understand the monitoring information of the employer (Snider & Elins, 1999). Hence, they will be working with the intent of satisfying the client instead of delivering on their duties. Employee files compile the entire employee cycle, which is essential for responding to employee inquiries and making decisions. In this case, the employee may manipulate the decisions of management on various issues affecting the employee (Oz, 2006).
The employer uses employee file to make changes on issues pertaining employee. Therefore, accessibility of the employee file by the employee could lead to poor decision making since the employee will work with the intent of influencing decisions on payment, promotions, as well as performance (Oz, 2006). Accessibility of personal files by employees hinders confidentiality and security between the employee and the employer. Accessibility of personal files needs to be limited to those persons who are authorized to update, produce, record, investigate, as well as produce information.
Evidently, personal files play a crucial role in the operation and management of an organization. An organization intending to bring changes and motivate employees should not allow the employee to access personal file. Accessing personal file may reduce the morale of the employee since they will comprehend how the management and other stakeholders view him/her. In general perspective, employees should not be permitted to access their files.
Oz, E. (2006). Management Information Systems. London: Springer
Snider, J & Elins, H. (1999). Corporate Privileges and Confidential information. New York:
Law Journal Press
