Containing all the simple off color statements made by others, when someone is 5 or 10 minutes late, when someone is using the internet for personal communication, or any other event which can be used against a coworker for personal gain or just to create trouble . Is this behavior considered normal or is there something disturbed about this individual.
2006-09-13 04:55:37 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Is there something a little "off"? Yes.
Is it a clinical disorder that poses a threat to coworkers? Maybe, maybe not.
(You can better judge that in terms of how they typically interact, how often they lose their temper, how paranoid they feel, how prone they are to taking aggressive action when they feel threatened, etc.)
The things you are describing can fit into complexes such as obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoid behavior, or even anti-social behavior.
If they are just filing the information away and not actually using it, that's neurotic (and frustrating!) but probably harmless.
If they are compulsively collecting these small infractions and actually taking consistent action on it, aggressively (i.e., constantly sharing the negatives with their boss, playing "hall monitor" and trying to wield control over others and browbeating them if necessary, or refusing to work with those who are not complying with this person's standards), well, then you could have a problem.
In any case, the behavior is not condusive to a good work environment. This person is probably very critical by nature, causes friction no matter whom they are with, tries to leverage situations to benefit themselves most, and distracts other people from doing their work.
Even when the accusations have some basis in fact, the way this person goes about things is destructive to group unity. So even if the person ultimately is not judged to be physically threatening to anyone, it still might be for the good of everyone to not have them on the team.
I did work for a few years with one such person. It was clear that this person was exhibiting some sort of autistic or Apserger-like behavior, and that the desire to structure others and critically analyze was compulsive on their part.
While they meant well, and tried to forge some relationships, it was just very difficult to interact with them on any professional basis due to the intense criticisms they had for anyone not working up to their exacting standards.
Unfortunately, the behavior escalated, and this person did eventually become inappropriately verbally abusive during one such clash and threw a stapler across the cube. That was the last straw, and their employment was terminated the next day.
If you have a human resources department, it might be appropriate to file a statement about what has been going on. They would be concerned and might know better how to address what's happening, and you would not have to worry as much about it.
As far as what's in the "secret file," well, if any of the tidbits are true, you will all as a group have to decide how much power to give this person over you.
It might be prudent to work at keeping everyone's nose clean for a bit (i.e., no taking home supplies, showing up to work on time consistently, etc.) until you have a good pattern established so that these complaints will have little teeth (and maybe even seem silly) when the issue finally comes in front of Management.
Good luck!
2006-09-13 05:12:38 · answer #1 · answered by Jennywocky 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. People say rude things about others all the time.
People keep secrets all the time.
Your best bet on the secret file issue is to keep it on a hunk of paper in your pocket. that will prevent it from being viewed by others after you have gone home at the end of a work day or work week. Do not carry disks, tapes, or memory sticks home with you. Their stored data can be retrieved from the system hard disk by a professional.
2006-09-13 05:08:50 · answer #2 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's only normal for people who don't possess enough talent or ability to make gains by their own merits. I think it's totally messed up and would keep my distance from this person. Companies thrive on teamwork, a business divided will fall.
2006-09-13 05:32:21 · answer #3 · answered by Amy P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think that it is very unusual but it is possible that the subordinate could be a plant for management. If this is not the case then i would be very worried about said member of staff.
2006-09-13 04:59:07 · answer #4 · answered by bigphil 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dangerous? only to those on the file!
immoral? probably
illegal? depends on privacy laws
should not do this? on Company Time? sounds like a "spy" at work to me....does the boss know? does anyone else know?
2006-09-13 05:07:12 · answer #5 · answered by flowerpet56 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, there's nothing abnormal about being the office-snitch. just be sure u don't end up in his secret file because he could use it against u to either blackmail u or to get ahead at ur expense.
2006-09-13 05:15:19 · answer #6 · answered by lady sixx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh please. Welcome to corporate America! If this persons work production is below par than he/she needs to go. Further, if the behavior is impeding other workers, he/she needs to go. I would counsel the person first and see if a behavior change happens, if not they gotta go! Work is not all fun and games and is wasting the companies time and money!
2006-09-13 05:06:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chances are, if he ever shows it to the bosses they won't believe him anyway, yes, this is very immature and stupid. You know, there's one of those people at every place I've ever worked. I hate stupid people. Watch your back, though his word against yours.
2006-09-13 05:05:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is for anyone really. However, it may actually be just the case that this person is really shy or paranoid
2006-09-14 02:52:29 · answer #9 · answered by Trojan8408 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's just covering his backside... you should do the same. Sounds like you are AWFULLY invested in this person. Maybe you should ask yourself why that is?
2006-09-13 05:10:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋