When is it appropriate to go over your bosses head? (details below)?

Question

In an organization run by a board of directors, when is it appropriate to contact the chairman of the board to let him/her know that the executive director is not showing up to work, attending meetings etc.? Or is it better, as an employee of this director, not to get involved and wait for the board to take action on its own?

I'm concerned about both work ethic and how going over my bosses head would reflect on me as an employee.

At the same time, this chronic bad behavior is reflecting negatively on the organization and is not providing staff with the necessary leadership to do its job effectively.

Answer 1

Whistle Blower's Police ony pertains to you if you are directly involved and/or effected by the situation. Try not to be stressed by the situation, it is not your responsibility. And you will be the one with egg on your face if you find out later the BOD is aware of the situation. He may have issues with his health, the company may have confidential things to attend to, ect. So, let your boss know and/or humans resource that you are not getting clear direction, but leave anything that you don't have direct crontrol over out of it unless you are asked. It's the best way to CYA.

Answer 2

Just my opinion, but I'd say it depends on whether on not the Board is aware of this behavior. There's no sense in waiting for them to take action if they don't know that there's a problem. If they're aware, I'd give them time ... they may be documenting the sitution and building up a case to let him go ... or they may have offered him counseling, or some other option to clean up his act.

If no one is aware of this, I'd start documenting situations where this is happening. Write down everything you can remember ... times and dates especially. Give yourself enough time to build a list of examples of this improper conduct. When you feel you have enough, you can contact the board with facts that they can verify.

Good luck ... hope they set him straight!

Answer 3

If you feel that strongly, you should write an anonymous letter saying you are worried about this area of the organization don't name names don't say who you are or what is wrong. They will look that way and will figure it out themselves. And you will stay confidential. Unfortunately the people higher up won't let you move up if they think your a snitch that is why it is very important to stay anonymous. But they will appreciate an anonymous tip so they can get rid of this person. Good luck.

Answer 4

Unless your boss is breaking a law or serious company ethics policy, you'd be wise to not report this, otherwise you'll be fired. If boss is breaking law, then find out what your company's whistleblower policy is. Most allow for anonymous reports to the Board or Audit Committee.

Answer 5

If its possible, you may try to do it by email, just explain your reasoning exactly like you did here, especially the part where you mention how his chronic behavior is reflecting negatively.
Try not to share the fact that you have gone over his head with your co workers, that would reflect negatively on you.

Answer 6

When your companies policy has an open invitation to complain to said board of directors

Answer 7

Always take these sort of complaints to your immediate boss. It helps to have a few co-workers with you. Keep a paper (e-mail) trail on EVERYTHING. Only when this doesn't work, then go to the higher-ups.

Answer 8

If you have a vested interest in your company, you should. Or if their lack of attention can result in your department potentially suffering cutbacks, layoffs, etc...you should.

Find other employees who have first-hand knowledge to corroborate your claims.

Answer 9

Is there any way to let the chairman know anonymously?