Polonious June Newsletter

Welcome to another newsletter! This month we will be looking at workplace negligence, confidentiality breaches, whistleblower policies and more.

?The PwC scandal and the company’s disregard for confidentiality are gaining more and more attention every day as more details are revealed. An internal investigation is currently being undertaken to provide more information to the numerous parties involved in the case. PwC has lost a lot of public trust but the company is trying to save what it can while the finance world is turning against it. Its competitors are now greatly benefiting from the negative publicity the company is receiving while the employees are facing uncertainty with their jobs. This case highlights the actual importance of confidentiality and preventing conflicts of interest.?

What exactly happened??

?If you do not know PwC, it is one of the ”big four” accounting firms, employing over 10,000 people across Australia. In 2015, Peter Collins, the International tax chief for PwC, was working with the government on its new tax laws. Peter Collins had signed confidentiality agreements prohibiting him from leaking information. However, he sent an email to colleagues with the intent of gaining more customers and helping them avoid taxes. The conflict of interest occurred as Peter Collins was helping the government design laws while simultaneously preparing to help his clients evade them.?

?There were other people that participated in the project, even with a few international employees having access to the information but it is unclear at this stage if they acted on it. PwC gained $2.5 million from helping customers evade the Multinational anti-avoidance law (MAAL). The irony is that in 2015, Peter Collins had assured the government that no PwC employee was taking part in unethical activities. Now the company is involved in one of its biggest scandals. Peter Collins is prohibited from working as a tax practitioner for at least a year; nine others have been stood down. The Chief Executive Officer of PwC Australia stepped down on?May 8.?Read more.

Implementing Effective Whistleblower Protection Policies in the Workplace

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in uncovering misconduct, fraud, and unethical practices within organisations. Their courage to speak out against wrongdoing helps safeguard the integrity of workplaces and promotes a culture of transparency and accountability. Recognising the significance of whistleblowers, it becomes imperative for organisations to implement robust whistleblower protection policies that provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to come forward with concerns. This article delves into the importance of whistleblower protection policies, explores key components of effective implementation, and highlights the benefits of fostering a culture that encourages whistleblowing. Read more.

Arby’s employee death: The true cost of not following up with complaints

?On May 11 an Arby’s manager, Nguyet Le, was found dead in a freezer by her son. The employee was alone at the time, preparing to open the shop. Her attempts to notify someone failed until her son noticed that she was missing. Her children are now suing Arby’s, accusing the company of negligence.

?A former employee came forward to say that the organisation was notified numerous times of the issue, with employees lodging complaints that the latch was broken for a while. The attorney who is representing the family is now calling for a formal investigation to be conducted into the company’s negligence. Her son is claiming that Arby’s has refused to respond to his enquiries, which is part of the reason they are suing the company.?There are other similar cases to Arby's.

Cross-Cultural Sensitivity in Workplace Investigations: Strategies for Success

What Are Cross-Cultural Challenges?

?Cross-cultural challenges refer to the difficulties and complexities that arise when individuals from different cultural backgrounds interact and collaborate in the workplace. These challenges can have a significant impact on workplace investigations, as cultural differences influence perceptions, behaviours, communication styles, and the understanding of appropriate conduct.

1. Language and Communication

Language barriers can hinder effective communication during workplace investigations. When individuals do not share a common language, misunderstandings can arise, leading to misinterpretations of statements or actions. Even when a common language is used, cultural differences in communication styles, such as directness or indirectness, can affect the clarity and meaning of information shared.

2. Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures, vary across cultures. Misinterpreting non-verbal cues can lead to inaccurate assessments of an individual’s intent or emotional state. For example, certain gestures that are innocuous in one culture may be offensive or disrespectful in another. Read more.