Do you think this is an act of cowardice or an acceptable means of transmitting information in today’s society?
Link to story:http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/florida-restaurant-fires-employees-text-message-144320874.html
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Cowardice or Commonplace?
Perhaps more as a consequence of societal trends than an ease of communication, texting has moved into the mainstream mode of communication for many. For some time now, folks have used texting as a method to inform supervisors of absence from or lateness to work. Employees have texted their resignations as well. In the story found in the link below, an employer turned the tables and fired someone via text message.
Do you think this is an act of cowardice or an acceptable means of transmitting information in today’s society?
Link to story:http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/florida-restaurant-fires-employees-text-message-144320874.html
Do you think this is an act of cowardice or an acceptable means of transmitting information in today’s society?
Link to story:http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/florida-restaurant-fires-employees-text-message-144320874.html
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Mary C online 64
ReplyDeleteIt's sucks when you get fired regardless of how its done. I think that the owner is probably ashamed and couldn't face them to tell them. With that said I do think its cowardly to fire someone though a text message.
I agree with your statement. However in life you can't experience success without failure.
DeleteSara A (64)
ReplyDeleteI think texting a boss or manager is very unprofessional. Same with a boss firing an employee through a text message it is unprofessional and he probably was ashamed. Maybe I am just Old Fashioned because my husband just got a new job recently and the owner of the company texted him what time to show up for a interview.
Mary c online 64
Deletein response, i agree with you it is very unprofessional to firing someone through a text message.
It is also very unprofessional to CALL out of work via text message. If a certain protocol had been establish then why is anyone offended when it happens.
DeleteJudithB.60
ReplyDeleteAmerica has undergone a technological revolution. People are using machines more to communicate, especially more so, with telephones which have evolved to be more like computers.
The evolution has affected the generations, with the younger ones using the computer more than their older counterparts.
We blog and keep in touch everyday using the computers, the "Smart Phone", being the latest and faster innovation.
The young generation uses the smart phone for all their daily activities.
Lets give room for thought that they might all be part of this new generation, both the staff and the owner.
Has anyone considered the age of the Restaurant Owner?
We tend to beat up on people without a second thought nowadays. Whatever happened to having room for doubt or thinking outside the box?
Someone please tell me I am not the only one here.......
You make a great point, but I think that the act of being hired or fired is such a personal experience to most people, that to be fired in such an impersonal way is what is hurtful.I do agree with you that there is an age factor involved. I am older and would never dream of firing someone in this manner, I would feel like a coward.I use text everyday in my business and personal life (I actually prefer it to phone calls), but if I have a compliment, or I need to correct someone, I would choose to do so in person.
DeleteJedd D. 64
DeleteI know we are living in a world with many new technologies, but that doesn't mean we have to use that form in our professional life. Especially if you are working in a big time company. Calling instead of texting your supervisor so that they will have an idea on your whereabouts is still the best way of communicating professionally. Although some asian owners do not mind texting them because some of them treat their employees family or they are very close. But still, calling is still the best form of communication and that is also for you safety.
I think any form of text communication in the workplace (unless completely indisposed such as in a meeting)is completely unprofessional. As a supervisor i used to completely ignore text messages before clock in time at 7am. If they did not show up for work i would mark them as no call/no show. It is a personal pet peeve of mine. If you need to have a serious conversation with a coworker or superior, please pick up the phone and call.
ReplyDeleteI feel we have to keep up with technology and be able to understand the changes.
DeleteAs an employee (chauffeur) and an employer,(I have a small cleaning business) I believe text and email have their place. As a chauffeur, it is less intrusive for the client for me to communicate my status with dispatch via text or email; however, I would never attempt to have a serious conversation with my employer, or an employee by way of text. I think it is rude, unprofessional, and cowardice to fire someone in this manner. If you are going to employee people, then you must to be able to handle yourself in a more professional manner. Texting and email are both tools I use in my business life, but are primarily used to transfer bits of information. If I am experiencing a problem with someone, I will always opt for a face-to-face meeting because so much meaning can be lost or confused in the written word. One can be easily misunderstood through a text, but in person, you can observe body language, eye contact and vocal stress.
ReplyDeleteAbdulbari S. 64
DeleteI completely agree!
Sara A. 64
DeleteI agree I think it is wrong. It is very unprofessional.
Brandy W. 64
ReplyDeleteI am at home home health agency and there are constant shifts changes and call outs and emergencies that happen and my boss and coworkers are not always able to communicate through the phone or face to face. I text my boss when I need a one word answer or a minor detail. However more serious conversations are delt with in person. I think texing an employee that you are fired is a little unprofessional and should be dealt with in person to give the ex-employee points as to why he was being fired. It can be seen as a cowardice beause no one likes to tell someone they have no job left. So in conclusion, just do good at your job so you wont get a text saying you are fired!
Elizabeth. A. 65 To me, I think texting a boss or manager that you are not coming to work is not bad, but the one I have problem with is firing somebody on the phone. I think it is rude, its cowardly, and it is unprofessional.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth. A. 65. In response to Mary. A. 64 I agree with you totally. firing somebody on the text message, oh my God! I think that is deep.
ReplyDeleteEddie W.
ReplyDeleteNot surprising, people avoid hassle and if someone can do an unpleasant job remotely they will.
I think it is all based on your relationship with your boss. If you both text one another and have an understanding then I think it is okay. I personally would rather talk on the phone but some do not.
ReplyDeleteCasie m
Winifred Chukwu
ReplyDeletei feel its very unprofessional and rude, but sadly its the world we live in... :(
Wanda B. 65 responds to Winifred Chukwn
DeleteI totally agree with you this is the world we live in now with all the technology we have become very unprofessional.
AndreaA.98
ReplyDeleteI love to text, I am always doing something so I would prefer to be texted rather then called. However, in this case I feel that as an employer texting someone that they are fired in an act or cowardness. Something of such importance I would never text,how would you know if he or she even recieved the message. I just feel that it is informal and unacceptable.
Jennifer Beaullieu Online 97
ReplyDeleteI believe the employer is a coward, as well as socially and professionally inept. An employee should never be let go over text message, especially a mass text, it is disgusting and disrespectful and gutless. The employees deserved a face to face explanation as well as some sort of remorse and gratefulness from their employer as well as company owner. Hopefully with this article this employer won't ever be put in a position over anyone for a while. With methods of dealing with things like this, he may have been the reason the restaurant went under in the first place.
Wanda B.65
ReplyDeleteI think it is a cowardly thing to do but we live in a day where people text each other more than they talk. And if they have a texting relationship it can be done. Not that is right or feel good but that is what the world has evolved to.
Sarah B 65
ReplyDeleteIn this particular situation, I think it is very cowardly to close a business in this fashion. The owner knew ahead of time that this was a possibility, it did not happen "over night". He should have had the courtesy to warn employees that it might happen, knowing that there are families that depend on those jobs.
As far as texting goes, it has become a more acceptable form of communication in a high paced world where we don't always have time to check our voice mail. The higher prestige a occupation has however, the less acceptable I believe it is.
communicating by texting eliminates alot of things from the face to face communication. it takes away the tone (there is no voice) and your phone gives you the option to ignore certain texts. i believe it is a cowardice because if something needs to be said a person should arrange to see them to discuss the issue.
ReplyDeleteJoshua Erving
Abdulbari S. 64
ReplyDeleteIt is quite understandable that we now live in a digital age, where a lot of communication and even work is done online, sometimes, without ever having face-to-face contact. This, however, should not minimize the fact that proper channels and procedures need to be followed in order to communicate in a professional setting. I don’t think it’s proper to send that kind of information via text to employees and especially in this particular employer’s line of work where it involves face-to-face interaction. In this particular case, I think it is an act of cowardice and very unacceptable as it is obvious that the employer did not want to face the employees, especially since he still owed them money. Sending a letter in advance notifying the employees so that they have the opportunity to start looking for other employment, would have been a better way of handling the situation.
Sarah B 65 in response to Judith B 60
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is most certainly a difference of approaches in communication by age (or generation). My mother (60) would never dream of communicating with a boss via text, I however (30), do it frequently.
I think if you are comfortable enough with your bosses that you can inform them of your absence via text message then you shouldn't be shocked or offended to get fired in the same manner. You didn't have time or enough etiquette to have a real conversation with them, why should they waste their precious time on you. You're Fired!
ReplyDeleteSamantha Y 65
ReplyDeleteI believe that texting in this manner is a act of cowardice. I could not imagine what I would do if I got a text indicating that I was fired. If I texted my employer that I was going to be out or late to work I would be in big trouble, let alone give my resignation. I believe some things need to be face to face or aleast over the phone.
Keli J. in response to Samantha Y.
DeleteI agree with you, no one wants to read their pink slip in the text message inbox especially if it doesn't come with my a paycheck.
Samantha Y 65
ReplyDeleteReply to Sara A 64
I agree with you I think texting your employer is very unprofesional. Some things need to be done face to face or over the phone. I guess I am old fashioned to I don't think texting is the correct way to communicate to your employer. As you mention about your husband's new employer texting him this is a way some people do business these days.
I think that in this case texting the employee and telling them that they are fired is complete cowardice! It is very unprofessional! I have texted my boss to let them know that I was sick but the only reason for that was I had strep and was unable to speak so I sent her an email and also texted her. Clearly in that instance I think it was ok, any other reason I think is unprofessional. No matter your age if they are your boss, or someone that you report to at work, should not be texted in those instances. As a person who would rather text than get a phonecall, it is a much simpler and quick form of communication between friends, family, etc. In this case the employee should not have been texted. Grow some balls and fire someone the appropriate and professional way!
ReplyDeleteHostencia
ReplyDeleteReally? This is very wrong. How can an employer just text to say that. It is too rood to do that.It is not professional at all and even look at how the words in that text massage are spelled. I want to believe that this was just a joke.
Opeyemi B. 60.
ReplyDeleteIn this situation under discussion, it is so wrong for this employer or any employer to fire someone by text message. It is so unprofessional and a coward act. Other information may be passed across to employees via text message depending on the kind of information and the situation at hand. However, firing an employee or an employee resigning should never be done through text message. The appropriate job protocol should be followed.
Lori D. 64:
ReplyDeleteWhile there are many acceptable reasons for texting rather than calling, it is definitely unacceptable and cowardly to text your resignation to your employer and for the employer to text you that you're terminated. I also believe that it's unacceptable/cowardly to text your supervisor that you're going to be absent for whatever reason. If you must use text for this purpose, I think a good rule of thumb would be to follow the text message up with a call later that day.
Lori D. 64 In response to Brandy W. 64:
ReplyDeleteI agree completely that more serious discussions should be done face-to-face. I work remotely from home, so therefore most of my communication with my co-workers and supervisor is done via e-mail; however, more serious conversations are held via telephone.
Carter Bragg
ReplyDeleteI think this is very cowardly because serious information shouldn't be left to a text message. First off it looks very unprofessional and it also seems like you are too scared to say it to their face. Like the Facebook blog i believe people are becoming too comfortable behind technology.
Leidy Marulanda 60
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carter Bragg, It is very unprofessional and cowardly to fire someone by a text message. Nowadays, people relay to much in technology.
Jedd D. 64
ReplyDeleteSome people who works in an Asian restaurant or a nail salon sometimes use text messaging as their method of communication with their boss if they are having some minor problems like coming to work late for and etc. But when you are having some major problems,I think it's best if you call your supervisor or boss so that they will know that it is really you and for safety purposes also. But hiring or firing someone via text especially if you work in a corporates or a big time companies is definitely unprofessional. Unprofessional is also an act of cowardly. You are scared of confrontation and the people you are firing via text will not be given a chance to know the reason why they are being fired and will now be given a chance to explain themselves.
Keli J. 65
ReplyDeleteAs a business owner there is certainly a time and place for everything. It was very unprofessional for him to fire all of his employees through a text message. If they were loosing their job because of something they had done, that's one thing. But not being able to keep the his restaurant open is another. He was a coward and probably didn't want to tell them in person because he knew they would ask for their last paycheck, which he probably couldn't afford to pay.
Kara H. 35
ReplyDeleteKeli J,
I agree that firing people via text messaging is very unprofessional. The employer by text messaging his employees I am sure he was avoiding dreaded questions that he didn't want to answer about his company folding.
Kara H.35
ReplyDeleteText messaging is very convenient. You can do it on your own time and you don't have to worry about the other person or parties being available to respond at that exact moment. Text messaging definitely makes communicating more efficient. The truth is though is there is a time and a place for everything. I wouldn't hire someone via text messaging. It is a common courtesy not to fire someone that way.
I also think it is very easy to misunderstand a text message. It is easy to read into a "tone of voice" that may not actually be there and before you know it you are arguing for no reason with the other party that you are texting with.
There are pros and cons to the technology advances we have in 2013. You have to be responsible and think what situations it is appropriate to use this method of communication.
Matthew B. 64 in response to Kara H. 35
DeleteI agree that there is a time and a place for everything. text messaging is very convenient but should certainly stay out of the work place. Being a professional means having great workplace skills. One of those is communication. If a person can not communicate their thoughts and ideas properly then it is no wonder they are being fired in the first place.
I think in some ways texting makes things more convenient. In the case of the boss firing people with texting, I feel it can be better than having to tell each employee one by one. He probably felt bad, which once again technology saved the day.
ReplyDeleteTanja K. 64:
ReplyDeleteI think this is cowardice. Texting is simple and easy for a lot of people and it is okay and a quick method for sending a little information. When it is work related, I do believe it can be very efficient for little updates,etc. but anything besides that I do not think texting is always the appropriate way. Calling out for example is something that I would not do via text. What if my boss doesn't see it? Then you have to call anyways. I prefer to call my boss, but if I can't get ahold of her, I will eventually text her to call me. What the firing via text message is concerned, I think it is completely inappropriate. I think business like that should be handled more professional than sending a little text message. Sometimes I feel like texting gets people out of handling difficult situations or topics in person or on the phone and that really shouldn't be like that.
That is definitely what text messages does, it gets people out of doing something difficult or an awkward situation. Personally, I prefer to talk to somebody via over the phone or face-to-face when it comes to business, that way there is no miscommunication.
DeleteTanja Kimberly 64 in response to Kareen Louika:
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with your statement on why waste your time to call or talk in person. As a boss I would want to represent myself in a professional manner even if my employee doesn't. I would have much rather called than just sent a text.
Matthew B. 64
ReplyDeleteI feel that texting is more of an unprofessional means on communication and should be left out of the workplace. Even if you are quitting your job you should do so in person. I believe it speaks volume about ones self if you try to hide behind the "easy way out" when its not always the right way out.
i agree, texting is very unprofessional and should be left out of the workplace.
DeleteJ Crowe 54
ReplyDeleteIt is extremly cowardice and unprofessional. Not only does it show how under devolped the company is in a maturity standpoint, but it also exposes the inability to sufficently run a business. It is like a middle school relationship in a sense of texting to terminate one's occupation is no different from a girl texting a boy and saying they are breaking up. It is a ridiculouse situation and shows the immaturity of the company.
I don't think the maturity of the guy is in question, honestly, what comes to mind is something underhanded. I mean usually if you break up from a relationship via text message it is because you don't have a valid reason to end the relationship. He says that his reason for firing his employees and close his restaurant was due to economic hardship, which is something valid, and would be understood by the terminated employees. Which has me thinking that there are other sneaky reasons that underlies why he closed his business and would have been picked up on if he had properly dismissed his staff.
DeleteJennifer P.60
ReplyDeleteI feel that texting an employee to inform them of their temination is very cowardice and unprofessional. It shows the person sending the text is not muture or able to be a professional and do the right thing which would be calling the person in for a meeting.
Jennifer P.60 response to Kara H.35
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Kara yes it is very cowardice to fire someone via text. Its very unprofessional to not just confront someone in a meeting and let them know the reason or regreat for the termination of employeement.
Text messaging is a mainstream communication mode for many people due to it's convenience. For business purposes though, it is very unprofessional to use it to fire employees. The restaurant owner should have formally terminated his employees through a face-to-face meeting. Not only would this have alleviated any misunderstandings, but it would have given him the opportunity to explain and the individuals to understand the situation. The only thing I can think of as to why he did what he did was because there is something shady going on.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a totally cowardly move. Texting in that you will not be at work is also bad, but to notify someone there their life is changing and they need to figure something out quick is an absolutely horrible thing to do. As an employer letting someone go, they should not fear doing this. So what if someone flips out and calls you names. It is out of absolute courtesy to let someone know to their face and explain why.
ReplyDeleteJ Crowe 54 in Response To Carter Bragg
ReplyDeleteWe seem to be on the same page in this situation regarding the cowardness of terminating jobs via text messaging. This is definitly a face to face subject matter in which one should be professional and cordal.
Any form of text messaging in the work place is extremely unprofessional. For the employer to inform his employees that he will no longer be in business and that their last checks will be mailed out to them is a form of cowardice. It is understandable in this time right now in a post-recession economy that businesses will still be going out of business. He should've had the respect and courage to tell his employees that they will no longer be in business.
ReplyDeleteMAria T 65
ReplyDeleteI don't agree using text messaging as a form of communication in a professional environment, it is just simply unprofessional and not right even if the individual has a good relationship with their bosses. I personally still want to be informed in person or in a personal phone call than reading it on my phone. In my opinion it all boils down to courtesy and respect to the individual.
I think if you have a good understanding with your boss/teacher it is acceptable to text or email if you will be late. If you are going to be out of work I think a phone call is more appropriate. I also feel that if you are going to be quitting your job or dropping your class, face to face or an email is appropriate. Texting is not acceptable for that. It is easier to reach people via text for quick things. Sometimes people do not open their emails for days. Shannon hammer
ReplyDeleteStephanie T. (65)
ReplyDeleteI do not think it is at all acceptable. If you are going to quit, it should be a proper notice in writing. And to be fired, should be face-to-face. With technology, everyone thinks it is okay to half step. Some things need to stay traditional and most of all professional. This texting is not a substitute for professionalism.
Stephanie T. (65) to Maria (65)
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is a lack of respect to that person to only call and text. It requires almost no effort compared to calling.
Joysline N 64
ReplyDeleteIt is not a very good idea to inform your boss of an absence via text messages. i think hat is a kind of disrespect and worst still i will not like my boss to fire me via text that is kind of immature
Joysline N 64 in response to stephanie T i totally agree with you its no acceptable to fire someone via a text you need to face them and if possible explain your reasons
ReplyDeleteText messaging is a valuable and acceptable form of communication. It leaves a record of the conversation that can be referenced at a future time. It also gives a person to think before responding.
ReplyDeleteMary T. 64
ReplyDeleteI think this a complete act of cowardice. For many it is easier to ask someone a question or inform them of a problem through text message because you do not have the one on one interaction and you do not get to hear their reaction. I also think that it is very unprofessional to let your boss know that you will be late or not coming into work through text message as well as for a boss to fire an employee threw text message.
In response to Michael Holnaider
ReplyDeleteI agree that text messaging is a valuable and acceptable form of communication nut only between family and friends for a quick response. Communication about your job should be done in a more formal manor. Heck I don’t even like to get text messages from my boyfriend some times. It is good in a relationship to call each other to gain that extra emotional connection.
Mary T. 64
Charles Wages 64
ReplyDeleteMessaging would be acceptable for casual communication but i feel that text messaging is not acceptable for business or any formal communication. Since the phone number is a personal contact link that can be abused in identity theft and other information theft. There should still be a secondary means of communication to serve on a formal basis.
Charles Wages 64 in response to Mary T.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most people find difficult conversations come easier through text due to the lack of face to face contact. On the texting a boss about updates on if you will be late or just general conversations, it depends on the atmosphere pf the workplace.