Ethical decision ?

[Externet]

Hi all.

 

A young fellow started work as an electronics technician a couple of years ago in a factory and by whatever reason management did not train him on the products, by his own means slowly learned and found out the innerworkings of the products he handles, meanwhile struggling and appearing unfit for the job.

 

Another technician to do similar activity was hired. Should the now experienced technician on his own train/teach/share/guide the new one with all the knowledge management did not care to supply ?

If yes, the new guy will appear more competent for the job. If no, the company suffers.

And other implications depending the point of views of each technician and management.

 

Suggestions ?

[Daecon]

Ask the management if they're going to train the new guy, and then tell the new guy what the management said - and let him make his own decision about it he really wants to work for such a company.

[Mr Skeptic]

If you do decide to help the new guy, make sure that the management knows about this. However, if they are unwilling to train a new employee, they are likely quite stupid so be careful with them.

[john5746]

The veteran should be given a lead position over the newbie, if not then ask for it. If not given a lead position, I would only show the newbie basic ropes, especially safety. Screw the company.

[Phi for All]

A young fellow started work as an electronics technician a couple of years ago in a factory and by whatever reason management did not train him on the products, by his own means slowly learned and found out the innerworkings of the products he handles, meanwhile struggling and appearing unfit for the job.

Don't discount the knowledge of the company's innerworkings and its products, and the process knowledge the first tech has. These are worth a lot as well.

 

Another technician to do similar activity was hired. Should the now experienced technician on his own train/teach/share/guide the new one with all the knowledge management did not care to supply ?

No, not on his own. Training others is NEVER a good use of a technician's time. That's why most companies have training manuals or HR staff that train new employees at a lesser billed rate than a technician.

 

The first technician *could* wait until he's asked questions by the new tech, then clear the unofficial training program with management. That way management knows why the first tech's work is suffering; he's training the new guy.This keeps the company from suffering, the first tech's value is upheld, and the new tech gets his training from someone who knows best.

 

In the politics of the workplace, management by objective must be given consideration. If you're not paid to train new techs, make sure management understands you're doing something outside your purview that is helping the company. It's not kissing up to make management aware of the extra duty you're taking on, especially if the work will either make you look bad, make another look good, or both.

[YT2095]

it`s really up to the 1`st Guy.

 

what does HE want to do?

 

if he wants to go Futher up in the "Ladder" then being Helpful till his fingers bleed will NOT help him! (I know this from personal experience), and likely to get him shat on from a great height, he will Not be thanked for this, Ever or by Anyone!

what Will happen is that he`ll have shot himself in the foot, by being perceived as Damn Good at his job, lets Keep him there, and never Once thinking about the fact that he can do MUCH MUCH more as well!

 

 

if he`s Happy where he is, then by all means help the newb but Not at the expense of your own job (obviously).

 

I think the 1`st Guy needs to decide for himself really.

[DrDNA]

Wow. I'm actually amazed at some of the responses.

 

Did the employee request more training?

 

Although the company sounds inefficient, part of an employee's duty is to become competent (beyond any training provided) and to transfer that knowledge to others to help the company become more profitable and competitive. This is especially important in quickly evolving high tech industries.

It is also why employees should get raises over time. It this is not the case, then that is probably a problem. If not, I don't see it.

 

Anyone who behaves in such a negligent and selfish manner on the job is at least partially to blame when they are laid off, their dept is shut down, the company loses market share, moves over seas (or over the border) or the company goes belly up.

 

Furthermore when it is found out that knowledge is not being transfered to the new employee, and it will be. That won't look good.

 

Keeping an eye open for new opportunities is ALWAYS a good idea.