Two brilliant minds debate a timely topic — whether it’s wise and just for websites to allow ticked-off workers to rate their supervisors, complain about their bad behavior, and name names. OK. Well some folks might debate the “brilliant” part for at least one of the debaters but its still worth a read.
BusinessWeek asked me to take the “con” side of the issue in a debate with Asher Adelman, the founder and CEO of eBossWatch, a website that allows workers to evaluate potential employers and workplaces. While his web site is far more professional and responsible than most such sites, these site are more often little more than online forums for hate-filled rants against co-workers and supervisors.
Asher Adelman wrote:
Professional, respectful, and non-libelous “boss rating” websites will soon become accepted as legitimate career resources for both job seekers and employers, and they will enable companies to cultivate the kind of healthy and innovative workplaces that can maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Robert Cox wrote:
Offering disgruntled employees an online forum to rant about their bosses is more likely to stoke anger than relieve stress. Given such incidents of workplace violence as the recent shooting rampage in Manchester, Conn., which left nine people dead, this not only is unwise but can also be downright dangerous.
Be sure to read the entire debate on the Bloomberg BusinessWeek web site.
