#175: Mutual exploitation at work

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, during a recession fear returns to the work place. And then? And then workers allow themselves to be exploited more than usual.

But at the same time, the insensitive boss can expect workers to retaliate with their own form of exploitation.

I am not referring to stealing, whether in the form of fake sick-leave, private phone calls, internet shopping, or taking home office supplies. I’m talking about workers who stick to the letter, and ignore the spirit, of the contract between workers and management.

Strictly speaking, there is nothing wrong with doing exactly what the boss demands - a practice known as malicious compliance. Nor is there anything wrong with not reporting something important; nor with knowingly allowing something to go wrong; nor with swamping a boss, who wants to know everything, with details, documents and reports.

Obviously, there is nothing right about it, either. It’s merely mutual exploitation at work.


I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com

Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh

James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
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