Maria Spinelli, general manager of HR, Ace International picks up her ringing telephone. 'Maria Spinelli speaking.'

'Maria, it's CK.'

'Hi, CK! What's new?

CK ignores the social pleasantries and says, 'I've just sent you an email regarding a job application we have received from one of your employees - read it and call me back.'

'You sound serious CK - what is it?'

'It concerns you.'

'What? How?

'You are well aware it is our standard practice to scan the social media sites of all job applicants?'

'Yes, and you know CK that I think it is unethical.'

'I know, I know, but now is not the time to get on your high horse,' says CK sharply.

'What is wrong?' asks Maria, somewhat bewildered by CK's tone.

'Look, it concerns you. Read it, then call me back. Okay? Maria, I am doing this as a friend not as a professional colleague. I rely on your discretion.'

'Sure, if that's what you want. I'll call you back in a few minutes.'

Without further comment, CK hangs up. Curious and somewhat anxious, Maria opens her email account. There it is: a message from CK Wong, vice-president of HR, Oz Consolidated Ltd.
Maria opens the attachment and is immediately horrified. Bold capital letters headline the text 'Why Ace International sucks'. Reading on, Maria becomes even more angry and disturbed. Posted by Britney Lee, a graduate trainee in the Treasury department, the text is a diatribe of criticism and caustic abuse. Ace International is described as having a culture of greed, backbiting and incompetence.
Britney's comments regarding her colleagues are very personal and cruel. Patrick O'Brien, Britney's current boss is described as a smelly fat slob who cheats on his expense accounts; the CEO Catherine Moore is portrayed as a hypocrite who is having an affair with James Cody the company's external legal counsel and a married man. Maria herself is depicted as ugly and mean.
Maria is crushed. She pushes her chair back, closes her eyes. 'How could anyone be so hurtful? So stupid?' Maria feels herself trembling. Perspiration streams from her brow. She wants to throw up. 'My God! What am I going to do?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

1 What ethical, legal and HRM considerations are raised in this case?

2 Is it reasonable for organisations to access an applicant's (or an employee's) social media sites?

3 If you were CK Wong, would you have informed Maria Spinelli of your findings? Explain your answer. 4 If you were Maria Spinelli, what would you do now? Justify your proposed actions.