Evaluating employee misconduct
English for Professional Purposes
Evaluating employee misconduct
In this activity, you will explore how active and passive voice affect the tone, impact, and effectiveness of communications in challenging people management scenarios.
Each group will analyse a scenario involving an employee who has made a significant mistake at work. Your task is to draft a short justification (approximately 250 words) explaining whether the employee should be dismissed or retained, paying particular attention to your use of active and passive voice.
Instructions
- Discuss within your group:
- Whether the employee should be dismissed or retained
- How the use of active vs. passive voice might impact your communication
- Which voice structures would be most appropriate for different parts of your justification
- Write a concise justification (about 250 words) of your decision
- Identify and highlight instances where you’ve used:
- Active voice
- Passive voice
- “Have something done”
Points to consider
- When active voice might be more effective (for assigning clear responsibility, showing decisive leadership, creating personal engagement)
- When passive voice might be more appropriate (for sensitive issues, creating emotional distance, focusing on processes rather than people)
- How your choice of voice reflects your management style and organizational culture
- The impact your communication will have on the individual, team morale, and organizational reputation
- The balance between clarity and diplomacy in difficult conversations
Scenario 1: Data security breach
Context: Alex, an IT specialist with 5 years of experience at your financial services company, accidentally sent a file containing sensitive client financial data to the wrong email address. The file was not encrypted despite company policy requiring encryption of all client data. The recipient was a client from another company, who immediately notified you of the error. While the data has been confirmed deleted by the recipient, this constitutes a serious breach of data protection regulations. Alex has had a strong performance record until now with no previous security incidents.
Your task: As the IT Director, write a justification of whether Alex should be dismissed or retained, paying careful attention to your use of active and passive voice.
Scenario 2: Product quality failure
Context: Jamie, a Quality Control Manager with 3 years at your manufacturing company, approved a shipment of products that later proved to be defective. The defect was not detected due to Jamie skipping a final inspection step due to time pressure to meet delivery deadlines. The defective products have led to a product recall affecting 5,000 units, costing the company approximately £200,000 and damaging your relationship with a major retailer. Jamie has previously received a verbal warning about rushing inspections 8 months ago but has otherwise been regarded as a competent manager.
Your task: As the Operations Director, write a justification of whether Jamie should be dismissed or retained, paying careful attention to your use of active and passive voice.
Scenario 3: Client misrepresentation
Context: Sam, a Sales Executive who has been with your consulting firm for 2 years, significantly misrepresented the capabilities of your services to a major potential client to secure a large contract. Sam promised features that do not exist and delivery timelines that were impossible to meet. The client signed a £500,000 contract based on these promises. The misrepresentation was discovered during the project kickoff meeting when the client referenced capabilities that your technical team couldn’t provide. Sam claims the misunderstanding occurred due to pressure to meet quarterly targets. Sam is one of your highest-performing sales executives in terms of revenue generation.
Your task: As the Sales Director, write a justification of whether Sam should be dismissed or retained, paying careful attention to your use of active and passive voice.
Scenario 4: Financial misreporting
Context: Morgan, a Finance Manager with 7 years at your retail company, made a significant accounting error that led to the misreporting of quarterly profits. The error inflated profit figures by 15%, which were included in reports to investors and the board. The error was discovered during an internal audit three weeks after publication. While not intentional, the mistake resulted from Morgan neglecting to follow standard verification procedures. The company has had to issue a formal correction to shareholders, causing embarrassment and raising questions about financial oversight. Morgan has an otherwise unblemished record and is known for working long hours and dedication to the company.
Your task: As the Financial Director, write a justification of whether Morgan should be dismissed or retained, paying careful attention to your use of active and passive voice.