...Grievance Handling Handbook Produced by: www.fairemployment.sg Printed in January 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher. CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Introduction: Why a Grievance Handling Procedure is Vital Definition of Grievances and Complaints at the Workplace Work-related Grievance Types of Grievance: General vs Individual Handling of General Grievances Handling of Individual Grievances Making the Grievance Procedure Work Employee Counselling Handling Unexpected Scenarios 01 02 03 05 06 09 12 20 24 28 10. Going Beyond the Organisation 01 1. Introduction: Why a Grievance Handling Procedure is Vital There is a greater diversity in the Singapore workplace today, comprising employees from different age, nationality, gender, ethnic and religious background. In such work environment, miscommunication and misunderstanding are likely. If not managed properly, such misunderstandings will affect employees’ moral and productivity. With employees being more Internet savvy and the popularity of social media, such unhappiness may also be publicised on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. Such negative publicity can affect the employers’ image and brand, causing unnecessary embarrassment to the management. In some cases, such grievances can also lead to expensive...
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...Benefit of Grapevine I concur with you that grapevine is basically “informal communication” and that it can cripple a corporation because it is not formal (Robbins & Judge 2009). The grapevine is unstable and unreliable; it can fuel anxiety, conflict and misunderstanding in small or large group situations. But, grapevine can also be beneficial because in most cases, grapevine information holds at least a kernel of truth. Information from upper management that flows through the grapevine to lower-level employees can allow them to see, and possibly relate to, the struggles that management is facing. When employees have a sense of these challenges, even if it is not entirely accurate they can rise up and make suggestions or work to improve a situation of which they might not otherwise have been aware. Also, if trouble is on the horizon, it can give employees a chance to make plans and temper their reactions when the news is formally communicated to them (Lorette, 1996). I would not agree totally that grapevine is never a good form of communication because grapevine is useful as a supplement to formal channels of communication and it often travels more quickly than other channels and is usually more direct. I know that grapevine consists basically rumors and gossip and it travels from person to person during breaks, lunch and in after-work gatherings, but God warn us about gossip, according to the bible “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a...
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...Advantages of Grapevine Communication 1. Grapevine channels carry information rapidly. As soon as an employee gets to know some confidential information, he becomes inquisitive and passes the details then to his closest friend who in turn passes it to other. Thus, it spreads hastily. 2. The managers get to know the reactions of their subordinates on their policies. Thus, the feedback obtained is quick compared to formal channel of communication. 3. The grapevine creates a sense of unity among the employees who share and discuss their views with each other. Thus, grapevine helps in developing group cohesiveness. 4. The grapevine serves as an emotional supportive value. 5. The grapevine is a supplement in those cases where formal communication does not work. Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication 1. The grapevine carries partial information at times as it is more based on rumours. Thus, it does not clearly depicts the complete state of affairs. 2. The grapevine is not trustworthy always as it does not follows official path of communication and is spread more by gossips and unconfirmed report. 3. The productivity of employees may be hampered as they spend more time talking rather than working. 4. The grapevine leads to making hostility against the executives. 5. The grapevine may hamper the goodwill of the organization as it may carry false negative information about the high level people of the organization. A smart manager should take care of all the disadvantages...
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...Justino Apostol’s concerns, as stated at the end of the case, are (1) “what he can do to woo Benjamin Zamora back” and (2) the existence of grapevine in Choice Fine Furniture. Since Zamora’s resignation was concluded in the case to be caused by rumors, it is therefore the main problem. It is therefore more important to determine the actions Justino Apostol should take with regards to the existence of grapevine in his business. In this regard, there are four options we can consider. We can either (1) fully or (2) partially participate in the grapevine. We can likewise either (3) totally ignore it and instead, improve on managing communication within the organization or (4) suppress its existence by issuing office rules to this effect. Since researchers say that grapevine is inevitable in an organization and, as Jitendra Mishra states “organizations cannot fire the grapevine because they did not hire it,” we can rule out the fourth option as a possible solution.[1] Besides, it is said that the organization can benefit from it in several ways.[2] If, on the other hand, we ignore its existence and instead improve the flow of the communication, we can not take advantage of the possible benefits such as having an alternative source of information regarding health and morale of the organization.[3] We are therefore left with either full or partial participation, either of which, we get to gather information regarding the trends in the office. The advantage, however...
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...Grapevine: An overview of its antecedents, functions and consequences Surabhi Grover March 2nd, 2015 She did what? He was talking to who? Rumor has it, she is being promoted. From hallways to office cubicles, from roadsides to coffee shops and from library to classrooms, rumors and/or gossip can be heard anywhere and everywhere. This almost inevitable phenomena has made its way into organizations where gossip and gossipmongers are mostly seen in a negative light. But is that always the case? How about when you hear from a third person that one of your peers might be rewarded for his/her outstanding performance, for the most part you are motivated to perform well. Gossip has its downside but not always. Introduction Exchange of information through informal communication network or channel i.e. unverified information, often referred to as grapevine activity; rumor or gossip, is circumstantially derived, comes into existence unplanned (Michelson & Mouly, 2004) and is almost unavoidable in organizations (Michelson & Mouly, 2002). Although it can affect workplace such as by decreasing productivity and creating stress (DiFonzo, Bordia, & Rosnow 1994), it’s not a very well-researched phenomena (Noon, & Delbridge, 1993). Rumor is defined as unsubstantiated talk that lacks evidence whereas gossip is regarded as idle talk that ignores factuality (Noon, & Delbridge, 1993). According to Rosnow (1988), “Sometimes it is impossible to...
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...In the song, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, the conflict of modern diseases and religion are harmful because the diseases are killing countless innocent children and people as well as having them pray for a cure until they die. A quote from the song states, “All the kids with dreams/Won’t get the chance to chase it”, (Gaye, 88-89). This shows that modern disease is killing children and they won’t achieve what they dream of achieving in life. It matters because it shows the infected children will not be able to live life and chase what they want in life. Also, it can relate to our universal theme because it shows conflicts being harmful by ruining the chance of the next generation achieving their dreams. The conflict of modern disease killing...
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...Brian Sweeney Writ 101 With technology changing so rapidly and the new resources that people can use to make their life “easier”, and often times technology does make life a little easier than it was in the stone ages. We are able to communicate with each other better; buying the things we need has been made a little easier, and even learn how to change your tire using the internet. But there is some discussion in the academic department of the ways you can abuse these websites and whether it’s really worth it or not to use one of these papers to turn into your professor for a decent grade. This is a very new option students are having, personally I had never heard of this wonderful option to just go on the Internet and get a paper for any assignment in any class. When I heard about these websites that can give you the choice of a crappy to mediocre paper for free or paying for a mediocre to a good paper I thought it was crazy. And also, would these papers be credible or would they be completely plagiarized and get the customer kicked out of school? I started all of this out by going through a few websites seeing what these paper might cost, and I quickly found out there is a pretty standard fee of between $10-$20 a page. Which seemed pretty steep to me; seeing as I usually have at least 2 papers a week that usually end up being 3-5 pages long I would be spending more on these papers than I would on tuition. So that seemed a little off to me, unless you have a completely...
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...Son’keceya Whitfield English 3 Mrs. Askew April 23, 2012 Amy Winehouse Amy Winehouse is important to her fans this will help you with her childhood, claim to fame, and her death. Amy Jade Winehouse was born on September 14, 1983 in London. By the age of 10 in 1993, Amy grew out the long jet black hair she famously wore in a beehive hairdo once she hit the big time At the age of 10, she became drawn to the rebellious spirit of TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and other American R&B and hip-hop acts, and founded a short-lived amateur rap group called Sweet 'n Sour. At the age 12 Winehouse wins a space in the prestigious Sylvia young theatre school, but is expelled long before graduation. But by the age of 16, Winehouse was expelled for "not applying herself" and piercing her nose. That same year, she caught her first big break when a schoolmate and close friend, pop singer Tyler James, passed her demo tape to his label, A&R, who was searching for a jazz vocalist.( “Biography”) The opportunity led her to a record deal with Island/Universal. Amy Winehouse developed a distinctive style of her own. Her signature beehive hairstyle has become the model for fashion designers, while her vulnerability, her fragile personality and self-destructive behavior has been regular tabloid news, and subject of criticism and controversy. In April 2008 she was named the second greatest "ultimate heroine" by the British population at large, and a month later was voted the second most hated personality...
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...Freemark Abbey Winery Case The Freemark Abbey Winery must decide whether to harvest their grape crop before or after an incoming storm. If the storm is light there is a chance of the grapes developing a mold, which is beneficial to the flavor and increases the wine’s value. There is also a possibility that the grapes will not become botrytised and will simply absorb water which will reduce the wine value. There are a number of options available to the winery in this situation. The grapes may be harvested immediately, resulting in a reduced revenue. This option is low risk, but also has low return as the grapes will reach a market value of $2.85 per case. If harvested and sold in bulk the grapes will be values at only $1.00 per case. If 12,000 cases are produced the total revenue will be $34,200 maximum and $12,000 minimum. The advantages of this are that the entire grape crop is not going to be lost (low risk), that there will be a guarantee of some profit, and that production can begin earlier. On the other hand there is a higher likelihood of a low return, particularly on the grapes sold in bulk. If the grapes are left on the vine and a storm does not come they will only ripen more. This option could lead to equal or greater profits than those found by harvesting immediately. The grapes left on the vine will have the potential to develop to bring in anywhere from $30000 to $46000. The disadvantages of this option would be the potential that the grapes’ sugar will not develop...
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...INTRODUCTION Grapevine communication is the informal communication network within an organization. Grapevine is used to spread information bypassing the formal communication structure. Just like the grapevine plant: it spreads in random ways and it goes where it can. It is formed by individuals and groups in an organization. The people in the groups have something in common that links them together. A person can belong to one or more groups. A grapevine communication is a form of informal communication by which people communicates each other without any formal line of communication. It’s called Grapevine because like that of a grape vine it’s impossible to find the origin of information which results in spread of rumours. Grapevine communication is a form of informal business communication, which develops within an organization. It means gossip, usually gossip that spreads and covers a lot of ground (a lot of people), much like vines do. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT At first we desire to express our deepest sense of gratitude of almighty Allah. We are thankful to our University (Leading University, Sylhet) and the respective authorities for providing us an opportunity to take our BBA program. With profound regard we gratefully acknowledge our respected course teacher Md. Shamimul Islam for his generous help and day to day suggestion during preparation of the assignment. He is so much an inspiration and guidance to us that we are, short of words in expression our gratitude. We like to...
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...Discuss the problem with grapevine communication within the workplace. How can organizations avoid the communication of false information? (Points : 25) Introduction: Grapevine communication is an informal form of communication in an organization. It flows in all directions irrespective of the hierarchy. This type of communication is sometime good and can be worst form of communication.There are many forms of formal communications in an organizations though employees prefer to communicate grapevine which can also form gossip.Generally such type of communications occur in the lower level of the organization and can impact the whole organizations efficiency hazardously. There may be different reasons for grapevine communication. It may be because of employee pay cut, pay raise, recession, or lack of self confidence within the employee which may create grapevine. It is the coziest way an employee communicates his/her happiness, anger, sorrow, etc., The grapevine communication generally occurs during break times, parties, outings etc., where employees discuss about the good/bad relating to the company, talk about their supervisors, promotions, transfers, link ups, which create rumors. this type of communication spreads like fire in an organization. We have also seen some times top level management comes up to clarify about some issues which arises due to grapevine communication. This type of communication is hard to trace. Problems affiliated with grapevine communication within...
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...employees have high job satisfaction among employees. Good communication improves management/employee relations and relations between the business and the customers. Communication is important in business because it enables the management and the employees to exchange and share information effectively. It also enables the owners of the business to find out whether they are making loss or profit. Grapevine communication A grapevine communication is a form of informal communication by which people communicates each other without any formal line of communication. It’s called Grapevine because like that of a grape vine it’s impossible to find the origin of information which results in spread of rumors. Three main characteristics: First, it is not controlled by management. Second, it is perceived by most employees as being more believable and reliable than formal communication issued by top management. Third, it is largely used to serve the interest of the people within it. Features of Grapevine Communication Flexibility: There is no formal control over grapevine,...
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...communication system in the organization is the grapevine network. As people talk casually during breaks, text one another, or chat online, the focus usually shift from topic to topic. They may discuss about their job, company, supervisor, fellow employees. The inaccuracy of the grapevine has more to do with the massage input because it carries informal massages. (Massie, J.L & Douglas, J, 1977). If the input is rumor, and nothing more, the output obviously will be inaccurate. The grapevine can be the most effective form of communication, but it may also create problems. Sometimes massages become distorted or exaggerated and it cannot be controlled. The grapevine will flourish as word is spread and increases in importance when: People don’t get enough direct information Official information is ambiguous or unclear People are forbidden to communicate with each other. (Davis, 1972) Informal communication can be sometimes difficult to manage or control in an organizational setting. The key thing to remember is that the informal communication exists always has and always will and you can’t stop it. (Lorette, 2015). Since the grapevine cannot be held responsible for errors and is somewhat of an unknown, it courses problems and slow the organizations activities. For instance, if managers try to suppress it in one place or cut off one of its sources, it will pop up in another or it merely moves to another one. Due to how fast grapevine travels, to try to stop it, will be like trying...
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...Formal vs. Informal Communication Research finds that 70% of all organizational communication occurs at the grapevine level ( (Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B, 2013). To me “grapevine information” is not 100% valid since it arise from social interaction, it is as fickle, dynamic and varied as people are though it is very useful in supplementing formal channels. Nearly all of the information within the grapevine is undocumented and is thereby open to change and interpretation as it moves through the network. It often travels faster than formal channels. The grapevine is very useful in supplementing formal channels. It provides people with an outlet for their imaginations and apprehensions as well. It also helps satisfy a natural desire to know what is really going on. A communication may be 90% correct in details but that last 10% is often the most important part of the message (Mishra, 2013). Messages from the grapevine are often lacking in all the details so that the message is subject to misinterpretation; while the grapevine generally carries the truth it seldom carries the whole truth. Managers should accept the fact and decide how they can use it to their own benefit since they are inevitable Every organization has a formal communication system. This formal system provides information regarding the organization to the employees through different media. The formal network, made up of memos, reports, staff-meetings, department meetings, conferences, company newsletters...
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...described it as “The Grapevine” however in business terms, it is likened to an informal network of communication in an organization. Just like a growing plant, information spreads randomly, going in whichever direction “the wind blows.” Take for example a supervisor that has common links with three or more different groups in an organization, whereas the first group might share brunch every Friday, etc. When one or more of the groups are in (agreement) about a given rumor, then the individual is bound to believe that it is true. The problem is that the more rumors afloat, the more tendencies for the rumors to turn into gossip. The truth is that gossip can ruin careers and reputations quickly. More so is the fact that they can destroy lives (Grapevine Communication Informal…, n.d.). Other negativity from informal communication may be a lack of productivity on the job due to constant chatting. Additionally, the informal talk may harm the goodwill of the organization, if false information is spread, concerning the leadership or higher- level members of the organization (n.d). Informal communication that is not verified or false could possibly have a detrimental effect, especially in a law enforcement organization. As stated before, there are positive sides to informal communication. One such is that supervisors get to know their subordinates’ reactions to their policies through (feedback), very quickly (Grapevine- Communication-Advantages…, n.d.).The “grapevine” promotes unity and...
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