Week 10 EOC: Job Evaluation Experience

In the past four years that I have been working I have received just a handful of performance reviews. In the company that I currently work for, I have had about three reviews. There are two reviews in particular that  I would like to talk about. The first review that I received was an official performance appraisal that was measured against company standard. "When an absolute standard appraisal method is used, employee performance is compared to an established standard independent of any other employee."
I feel that this was a great opportunity to learn about my strengths and weaknesses. I received this review after being with the company for a year and a half as well as receiving a promotion. When I received my promotion, I do not recall having a one-on-one to discuss the perimeters of the job as a visual lead. From the review I was able to gauge what my job entailed and how I could improve in this position.
The second review I received was issued as an informal appraisal. This review was issued to address my supposed lack of interest with the company. When the review was being read to me, I felt that it was really unprofessional and emotionally loaded. One comment said, "I do not believe Jessica performs well if she has not had a coffee."

Week 9 EOC: Sexual Harassment and the NFL

Lately, in the media there has been a lot of attention towards ex-Baltimore Raven's football player, Ray Rice. The reason for this being is that a video of Rice assaulting his, then girlfriend, now wife in an elevator. After the release of the video Rice was initially suspended for two games. Soon after his contract with the NFL had been terminated. I do not believe that his termination was a justified punishment. This matter was a personal-familial issue that should have been handled outside of the media. "The two people obviously have a couple issues that they have to work through, and they're both committed to doing that. That was the main takeaway for me from the conversation. They understand their own issues. They're getting a lot of counseling and those kinds of things, so I think that's really positive. That was the main takeaway."(Harbaugh) That is a quote said by head coach, John Harbaugh in response to the Rice situation.

"While criminal activity is clearly outside the scope of permissible conduct, and persons who engage in criminal activity will be subject to discipline, the standard of conduct for persons employed in the NFL is considerably higher. It is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a way that is responsible, promotes the values upon which the League is based, and is lawful" Since this particular case involves somewhat of a public figure there is a higher standard held against him. Had Rice been working for an average company there would not be much the company could do unless the assault issue happened on-site of the workplace, or they were actively searching for post-employment charges. 

"Some employment lawyers, meanwhile, think all the attention given to the NFL's handling of the crisis could prompt more employers to examine their policies, even if they have a very different set of workers." I believe that the response to the Ray Rice situation will have a large effect on how even average employers will handle similar situations.

EOC Week 8: The Power Behind The Throne

In the film 9-5, Judy is the new girl at the office is at her first day of training. Much of her so called training is fast-paced and lacks follow-up from her supervisor. "Training: The process of developing a staff member's knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to perform tasks required for a position." In one scene, Judy's supervisor, Violet, takes her to the copy room and swiftly teaches Judy how to make copies on the machine. Violet takes a second to ask if Judy understands how to use the copier and immediately leaves after receiving an unconvincing, "Yes." Violet does not stick around to make sure that Judy understands how to use the equipment and is found in a sea of paper by the boss of the company, Mr. Hart.

Mr. Hart is known around the office for making inappropriate commentary to the female employees. "Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." The character that receives the worst end of it all is Mr. Hart's secretary, Doralee. She is constantly being harassed by Mr. Hart who asks her inappropriate questions and makes unwanted physical passes at her.

"Changing labor conditions include a shrinking labor force, lagging wage rates, industry reputation issues, and a de-emphasis on training and employee satisfaction." Later on in the movie, Judy, Violet, and Doralee kidnap their boss and take over the office. By doing so they have made significant changes to increase employee morale and performance.