It has come to my attention that there are rumors going round the company and the town that there were incidents of food contamination in plant and that some of the employees attempted to cover up the incidents. The rumors further allege that employees have been intimidated into reporting the irregularities to the senior management. It alleges that these employees attempted to bribe food inspectors from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Mr. Smith and Mr. Bush, who are floor supervisors, have been substantially mentioned in the allegations as the main perpetrators.
These rumors are spreading fast and can cause a lot of damage not only to the reputation of this company and its management, but also to its future prospects. It is, therefore, my professional opinion that cardinal measures have to be initiated to contain the situation and remedy the damage already done. The company’s position as the main food processing plant in rural Alberta places it in a unique position that it has to be socially responsible. Furthermore, more than 250 workers rely on the company to make their livelihood and, therefore, it is its cardinal duty and obligation to maintain their professional values, integrity and responsibility. It is also vital to reassure not only the company’s shareholders, but also its clients who hold the most significant place in the company. If the situation is not maturely contained and addressed, clients might decide to shun the company’s products.
In my capacity as the vice president, I wish to make the following recommendations for your consideration on the way forward. To begin with, I suggest the suspension of all employees adversely mentioned in the allegations including Mr. Smith and Mr. Bush.
To my understanding, these two are extremely hardworking and enthusiastic individuals who are absolutely loyal to the company. Therefore, they may have acted under the mistaken belief that they are doing so in the best interest of the company. However, their approach was totally wrong. Nevertheless, it is cardinal that they are presumed innocent until proved guilty for their have been with the company for more than twenty years serving it diligently and faithfully. It is cardinal that they do not be prejudiced. On the other hand, the suspension will also provide an opportunity for the Presidency to create a taskforce to inquiry into the allegations. It is vital that the management be seen to be doing what is right under the circumstances. Additionally, by forming a taskforce to inquiry into the allegations, the management will be ensuring that it complies with the need to promote justice in all its social and economic fronts. The taskforce will provide a comprehensive case study of the allegations and ascertain their veracity. It would also establish the extent of the damage done to the company by the rumors and the requisite steps that can be down to redeem it.
Apart from suspending these employees and forming a taskforce to inquire into the veracity of the allegations, the company should establish measures where complaints and suggestions can reach the top management quickly. This is to avert a scenario where there are numerous complaints and rumors doing rounds in the company and the town while the management is kept in the dark. I suggest the establishment of a complaints and a suggestion department. The department shall also be in charge of public relations activities by working with all the stakeholders to ensure harmony in the running of the company. In order for a company to be successful, it is cardinal for it to ensure the harmonious existence of its consumers, employees, environmental groups and communities. If the consumers suspect that the employees of the company are covering up food poisoning claims, then this frustrates their relationships and strains the company’s operations. Additionally, a system that ensures the maximum amount of happiness to the greatest number of people has to be adopted rather than one that only pleases a certain section of the stakeholders.
It is essential that these recommendations be acted upon as soon as possible because the rumors are causing tensions in the industry. Just recently, town officials have approached my office requesting that the matter be urgently handled because it is putting the town’s economy at risk. Failure to act will only worsen the situation because people will continue repeating the rumors until some start believing they are true. On the other hand, suspending the named employees will prejudice their reputation and morale and it may also affect the loyalty of other employees who have worked hard to ensure the success of this company. However, it will avert a situation where the reputation of this company is tainted by allegations that it employs unaccountable and irresponsible employees. The establishment of the taskforce may also have a chilling effect of the employees because they are afraid of being found culpable thus affecting their productivity. However, in the long-term, it will motivate them to be more accountable, responsible and transparent in their actions.
