Here is a real life situation I recently encountered in an organization.
You’re one of the supervisors on a large team. The team’s Social Committee decides to organize a raffle to benefit one of the community causes that the team supports. In the gift basket that will be raffled out within the team, the Committee includes a gift certificate for a nearby adult sex store.
Something doesn’t feel right to you about this and you take your reservations to the other three supervisors.
To your surprise, your colleagues see no problem. They say that whatever discomfort you may feel is ameliorated by two counterpoints: first, anyone who’s uncomfortable with the gift included in the raffle is totally free to refrain from purchasing tickets. Second, anyone who wins the basket and is uncomfortable with the sex-store certificate is totally free to throw it out or, even better, give it to another team member who may enjoy it. They also tell you to `lighten up’ and to `get a better sense of humour’.
How would you analyze this situation?
Here are some questions for your consideration.
- Is there anything wrong with including the gift certificate in the package? If so, what?
- Are the other supervisors right in concluding that natural checks and balances will ensure that no one is offended?
- Would your answer change depending on the type of organization and the makeup of the employees?
Stay tuned for part 2 for an examination of these questions!
