Zero Tolerance for Bullying of Small Business by Politicians
June 17th, 2008Business ettiquette 8 CommentsA significant degree of media attention has been given over the years to the issue of small business being bullied by larger companies.
But what about bullying from government officials or politicians?
A recent Australian case highlights the potential for small business and their staff to be subject to bullying behavior from government ministers, and raises questions about the consequences which should follow such behavior.
The case involved a federal minister, Ms. Belinda Neale, and her husband, Mr. Della Bosca, Minister for Education in the state of New South Wales. Whilst drinking at Iguanas night club on Friday June 6th, the couple allegedly became irate and verbally abusive at staff when politely asked to move tables.
Ms. Neale, showering employees with a barrage of four-letter words, allegedly threatened to have the club’s operating license revoked. Mr. Bosca, adopting a standoverish posture toward staff, allegedly bellowed “Do you know who the f*** I am?”
The allegations, which were made by Iguanas staff and are disputed by the couple, are currently subject to investigation. Accordingly, any judgment relating to this particular case should be withheld pending the outcome of the investigation.
However, the case raises important questions about what action should be taken against politicians who engage in anti-social or bullying behavior when dealing with small businesses and their staff.
In this case, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has ordered that Ms. Neale undergo an anger management program, and Mr. Bosca has been stood down pending the outcome of the investigation.
More serious consequences, including termination of employment, must follow if the investigation reveals misconduct on behalf of either minister. This type of behavior must not be tolerated, and an example must be made.
Some may view this as a trivial matter. To be sure, a few heated from politicians does not compare to some forms of bullying behavior to that endured by small business in other parts of the world. (Zimbabwe, where price controls are enforced by sending armed forces into stores to re-label prices, is a good example).
But no form of bullying or anti-social behavior should be tolerated. Whether on official business or not, senior politicians are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner in public.
Small businesses should not be subject to this form of abuse. Neither should their staff, particularly when they are merely carrying out their responsibilities in a dutiful fashion.
Moreover, governments must set the example. If governments demand responsible behavior from business, then senior politicians must set a positive example in their own conduct. A small amount of simple etiquette is not too much to ask.
Bullying or anti-social behavior from politicians is unacceptable. If the allegations against Ms. Neale and Mr. Bosca are proved to be correct, then an example should be made and dismissal should be very seriously considered.
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