Management 13th Edition by John Schermerhorn,Daniel Bachrach

Exercise 24

KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG
A Christmas party was described in detail, including an executive's "unforgivable faux pas."

I t is easy and tempting to set up your own blog, write about your experiences and impressions, and then share your thoughts with others online. So, why not do it
Catherine Sanderson, a British citizen living and working in Paris, might have asked this question before launching her blog, Le Petite Anglaise. At one point it was so "successful" that she had 3,000 readers. But, the Internet diary included reports on her experiences at work-and her employer wasn't happy when it became public knowledge.
Even though Sanderson was blogging anonymously, her photo was on the site, and the connection was eventually discovered. Noticed, too, was her running commentary about bosses, colleagues, and life at the office. A Christmas party was described in detail, including an executive's "unforgivable faux pas." When her blog came to management attention, Sanderson says that she was "dooced"-a term used to describe being fired for what one writes in a blog. She sued for financial damages and confirmation of her rights, on principle, to have a private blog. The court awarded her a year's salary.
WHAT DO YOU THINK
What are the ethical issues here from both the blogger's and the employer's perspective What rights do employees have with regard to communicating about their work experiences Is it ethical for a supervisor to fire an employee any time the employee says something negative about the organization For example, which is the bigger "crime," to get drunk at the office holiday party or to write a blog that reports that your supervisor got drunk at the office party What obligations do employees have to their employers even when they are off the clock In contrast, where does the employer's ability to control employee behaviors outside of work end