This blog looks at the intersection of Information, Governance, and Compliance. Normally, when one hears “Compliance,” one assumes it means compliance with law. But Compliance also extends to compliance with policy.
“Barnes & Noble Cites Policy In Firing,” The Wall Street Journal, July 5, 2016 B1. B&N CEO and a member of the board fired after a little more than a year for violation of a so-far-undisclosed company policy.. No severance package. Ouch.
What sort of message does that send to the rank and file when the CEO gets punished for violating company policy? Does that extend beyond the policy the CEO is accused of violating? Is that why the specific policy wasn’t mentioned?
I assume this was for a violation more serious than failing to follow the company’s Records Retention Policy. But aren’t all violations of company policy by the CEO equally serious? Aren’t all violations of policy equal, or are there capital “P” policies, and small “p” policies? How does an employee tell the difference?
And the company chose to publicize at least the basic reason for the firing; does it do that in all firings for policy non-compliance? Does the CEO have more or less privacy rights than the lowest-paid employee?
infogovnuggets 