Pro labor or Pro Management

Where should the manager stand when there is a conflict between employees and management? Last week at my work, there was a conflict between upper management and the accounting department. The accounting department approved a large cash withdrawal form the company’s bank account for some immediate payments including staff salaries (we are dealing with a small business here, so some of the payments are usually paid in cash.) The CEO of the company was in total disbelieve on how the accounting department approved such a large payment without his approval.

I was in a unique situation, the CEO is not usually around and the accounting department needed the fund but at the same time the CEO instructed the accounting department not to authorize any large payments without his approval.

The accounting department saved the day by withdrawing the money and making payments, but it also violated the CEO policy. I thought parties were to blame, the CEO was not around to approve an urgent money withdrawal and the accounting department didn’t not follow the standard procedures to withdraw funds.

In my meeting with the CEO and the accounting department, I maintained my neutrality, I had to make sure I don’t lose the confidence of either party, upper management must be sure that I will do my best to protect the interest of the company and the staff members must be sure that I will support them in a time of a conflict.