Private Thoughts at the Workplace

I came across this statement in the chaos of Cyberspace. It does pose an interesting issue which can be seen and approach under many lights.

…I’ve worked in management for years and can assure you that while you’re on company time, any conversation that can be overheard by patrons can be scrutinized by the company.

You are a representative of that company and your behavior reflects on the company.

You are certainly within your rights to HAVE a PRIVATE conversation. Just make sure that it IS in fact PRIVATE.

People who are in business to take money from people don’t want their employees offending their customers.

It’s bad for business.

Here’s how I would approach this:

Making an Example

Say that you’re coming to my stall for a drink with your friends. You and your friends make an order and receive it promptly. While collecting your thoughts for the next round of conversation, you and your friends pause a moment. Coincidently you here a colleague and I comment on a particular party or issue. As an example, UiTM Students are primarily hopeless. They spend all their money as well as the taxpayers money on nothing fruitful.

Analysis of the Scenario

Strictly speaking, as an employee of that stall, I am also an agent. If I were a third party, you would not have received your orders. When you do, you needn’t pay the stall, right? I’m trying to avoid the legal issues here. Trying to keep it simple and on a common sense level kind of thing. So, as long as I am on the stall’s premise during my working hours paid by the stall, I am an agent of this stall.

Thus, you can say that the stall, its other workers and employees as well as the owner share the same opinion in the illustration, right?

Keep Private in Private

To me, the statement I found summarises the whole idea of this entry: yes, you have the right to opinion. If it is personal or private, keep it in private rather than publicising the whole thing out - deliberately or not.

What do you think? Is it fair?