Fundamental Aspects of Conducting Effective Internal Investigations
Others cannot effectively motivate employees; the feeling has to come from within. Until then, no amount of cajoling on the part of the employer can make an individual feel motivated. Hence, organizations and enterprises can set up a work environment that is friendly, encouraging, supportive and open. In short, the work atmosphere should be cordial and harmonious enough to make employees feel happy and satisfied.
Today, a leading issue that can have a detrimental impact on the work environment is the issue of corporate digital investigations. With complaints of harassment, misconduct, and accounting irregularities being a routine affair for most enterprises and organizations, steps need to be taken to ensure that investigations are carried out effectively and with the least amount of impact on the work environment. The following are some pointers on the fundamental aspects of conducting effective internal investigations.
· Implement a Clear Set of Rules and Guidelines
The first and foremost thing that an enterprise or organization can do to ensure an effective investigation is to put in place a clear set of rules and guidelines. Not only that, the concerned authorities must make sure that the rules are followed when any complaint of misconduct or harassment is brought to their attention.
· Conduct Workplace Training
Managers and supervisors should be trained to immediately report any complaint, information or knowledge regarding possible harassment or misconduct to the concerned authorities without fail. Managers and supervisors need to take every complaint of misconduct seriously. Even if the credibility of the person who made the complaint is questionable, any issue should be left to the discretion of the concerned authorities.
· Avoid Preconceived Notions
When any complaint of misconduct on the part of employees or management is reported, the concerned authorities should never take a biased approach or brush it under the carpet as it could affect the morale of the workforce.
· Employ a Neutral Counsel
The counsel employed for investigating the case should be well experienced and neutral. A neutral counsel can add a kind of credibility to a corporate investigation that no experienced in-house counsel or regular outside counsel can.
· Take Appropriate Action
Taking appropriate action based on internal investigation findings is as important as conducting fair internal investigations. If there is evidence that proves the guilt of the accused beyond a doubt, stringent action should be taken to serve as a lesson to other employees. However, in the case that someone is wrongly accused of misconduct, their innocence should be brought before the entire workforce.
Adherence to these basic rules can go a long way toward ensuring employees’ trust, understanding, and belief in the organization they work for.
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