University staff warned of behaviour’ on social media

[webfact]

University staff warned of behaviour’ on social media
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- LECTURERS of a northern university will have to think twice before posting a message on online media.

 

Offending posts may affect staff performance reviews and salary adjustments, according to university rules that came into effect on February 20.

 

The rules describe the use of online media harmful to the university’s image as inappropriate behaviour, warning that staff engaging in such action shall not get more than a “fair” mark in performance evaluations, which determine salary increases. 

“Fair” marks for two consecutive years also mean staff risk losing their jobs. 

 

Critics have said the rules are an attempt to muzzle university lecturers, who sometimes speak up on social media to promote transparency at their institutes. 

 

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a lecturer said some faculty members turned to social media to raise their concerns about some dubious activities at their workplaces because a petition to external organisations usually took too long.

 

“I can’t help thinking the rules are … to restrict faculty staff’s moves on this front,” he said. 

 

Another critic complained that faculty members at the university would not have the courage to expose executives’ questionable behaviour via online media after the new rules took effect.

 

“Many have gone to online media to reveal information because they can stay unanimous,” he said. 

 

If a complaint about the university’s alleged irregularity was submitted to the Office of Higher Education Commission (Ohec), it would order the university to set up a fact-finding committee. 

 

“That’s when the identity of the complainant will be exposed. He or she then risks facing persecution from university executives,” one critic pointed out. 

 

Ohec secretary general Supat Jampathong said his agency would ask the accused university to launch an investigation because it wanted to ensure fairness to both sides. 

 

Asked about the new rules at the northern university, Supat said university staff could petition to his office if they felt their performance was evaluated unfairly. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30309344

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-03-17

[Srikcir]

The rate at which Thai freedom of expression is being strangled even in the Thai universities is beginning to make communist societies look like more open societies.

[Chip Allen]

Same situation in the USA, actually. My last job before retirement was with an American university and it was well known that "loose lips" on Facebook and other social media could be deadly to your career.

[sandemara]

Nothing like closed minds for running  a university.

[mtls2005]

Relevant section of the draft constitution...with new caveats, and restrictions which are more detailed than the right granted.

 

Section 34  A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his opinion, make speech,

write, print, publicize, and make expression by other means. Restriction on such 

liberty shall not be permitted, except by virtue of the provisions of the law

specifically enacted for the purpose of maintaining the security of the State,

protecting the rights or liberties of other persons, maintaining public order

or good morals of people, or safeguarding the health of the people.

 

Academic freedom shall be protected, provided that the exercise of such

freedom shall not be contrary to the duties of Thai people or good morals

of people and shall respect and not impede differing opinions of other persons.

 

 

Warning: Actual rights may appear smaller in the mirror

[Bluespunk]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

The rules describe the use of online media harmful to the university’s image as inappropriate behaviour, warning that staff engaging in such action shall not get more than a “fair” mark in performance evaluations, which determine salary increases. 

“Fair” marks for two consecutive years also mean staff risk losing their jobs. 

So "shut the f@#$ up or lose your job"?

[elgordo38]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Offending posts may affect staff performance reviews and salary adjustments, according to university rules that came into effect on February 20.

Brace yourself more are coming by the truckload. 

[elgordo38]

Facebook needs a Bitcoin version where postings can be made and be non traceable. 

[Chip Allen]

2 hours ago, sandemara said:

Nothing like closed minds for running  a university.

In fact, the university environment can be every bit as treacherous as a corporate environment. My experience was a nightmare, but provided me with a comfortable retirement, with state pension and annuity along with the regular Social Security.

[PomPolo]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

“Many have gone to online media to reveal information because they can stay unanimous,” he said. 

So the they unanimously agree with the university policy?! 

 

Hmmm - I suspect the word they were looking for was anonymous - damn that autocorrect!