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I wonder why organisations even bother conducting exit interviews. Let’s face it, by the time the exit interview is conducted, the employee is almost certain that he/she is leaving.
A colleague had her exit interview conducted by a senior manager. Accordingly to her account, rather than listening to why my colleague was leaving for greener pastures, the senior manager was busy defending the practices of the organisation.
For exit interviews to be effective, interviewers must be prepared to listen. It is the responsibility of the interviewer to provide a safe space for exiting employees to share their experience or air their grievances. My suggestion is for interviewers to engage and listen. Do not be dismissive or patronising by saying things like “things will get better”, “when faced with a problem, it is your responsibility to solve it” or “you have not given yourself enough time with organisation”. Managers must pause and empathise. That is not to say that managers must take everything at face value. Good managers should be able to sieve out the noise and identify the root of the problem, if any. Wanting to have the last say is pointless.
“You took me hostage!” “Is it because I am Chinese?”. Most Singaporeans would by now be able to identify these phrases from a heated exchange of words between a Gojek driver, Mr Kamaruzzaman Abdul Latiff and his unhappy passenger, Ms Jovina Choi, after a video released by Mr Kamaruzzaman went viral online.
The clip appeared to suggest that the root of the argument was that the female passenger was upset with the driver for not avoiding the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantries during the journey. The journey was from Block 251 Bishan Street 22 to 1 Coleman Street at around 0710 hrs. It was unclear if the passenger’s request was to avoid the ERP gantries within the Central Business District (CBD) area or all ERP gantries. If the latter, that would neither be reasonable or possible. However, if her preference was to avoid the Central Expressway (CTE) gantries, the driver could have detoured along Farrer Road.
There are many meme circulating on the internet. Even Singapore’s SCDF is taking a go at it.
But on a serious note. There are serious accusations and implications by the actions of both the driver and passenger.
Firstly, the passenger made the allegation that “it is clear you are out to cheat money”. I assumed she meant the extra ERP charges levied in addition to her fare. But since ERP charges are a pass-through levy, I cannot see how incurring additional/any ERP charges would benefit the driver.
Secondly, the passenger shouted frantically
“he lock the door, he lock the door. Unlock the door now, he is taking hostage of me”. Even if the car has an auto-lock mechanism, the passenger could easily unlock the back seat door. Accusing someone of taking another person hostage is a serious allegation.
Lastly, the passenger played the race card, “is it because I am Chinese?”. Could this be a reflection of how fragmented our society is when it comes to different races? As a nation, do we need to do more to ensure trust and racial harmony?
Taxis and private-hire cars can have inward-facing video cameras from June 22 2018. There are strictly guidelines imposed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Inward-facing video cameras installations only be done at LTA-authorised centres.
The National Taxi Association did lobby for audio recording to be allowed, as it would be helpful in cases of verbal disputes between drivers and passengers. However, the current regulation prohibits audio recordings to ensure the privacy of passengers.
Current regulation also specify that the cameras have to be secured, and the data contained cannot be downloaded or accessed without authorisation – such as by locking the memory card slot. Video footage can also only be retained for a maximum of seven days.
Whilst it can be argued that in this instance, without audio recording it would have been difficult to verify the accuser/victim’s version of their altercation. But as the law stands, it is likely that Mr Kamaruzzaman’s actions have fallen foul of regulations as he not only had a recording device but shared the video clip publicly without authorisation.
I hope the authorities will take heed of this incident and make appropriate changes to the law to better protect both passengers and drivers. I support the idea that audio recording should be permitted (with prior notice to the passenger) but all video recordings (by all parties) should only be released to the appropriate authority such as the police or LTA.
This daily announcement is getting way too familiar for my liking.
Imposing a fine on the operator for delays and their incompetence would not help the matter at held. The operator is de facto nationlised, so it is a case of left hand paying the right hand.
Drastic times call for drastic measures. Management should be overhauled immediately and made accountable to the public. Equally, the regulator should be held responsible if it fails to ensure operational standards are maintained by the operators.
Should I be concerned that management is more interested about what is on the lunch menu rather than the agenda of the meeting?
The thought of being surrounded by so many bigots is unsettling. Everyone is undoubtedly entitled to his opinion, but being obstinately intolerance of other’s beliefs is a slippery road to incorrigibleness.
… homemade mango and raspberry mochi. The acidity of the raspberry after a full meal is so refreshing. S 愁糯米糍样貌不佳，味道偏酸，但顾虑是多余的。这份礼物代表了她给我的祝福，味道和口感正合我心意。衷心感谢 S。Thank you for going the extra mile.
