Segregation of Duties: A Simple Example

18 November 2016, Singapore: The last couple of days, enforce my positive view of "Segregation of Duties". By adherence to this 'internal control" policy, it create less conflict and help you to see other people professional opinion... 

Example # 1:

I wanted to use my HR Blog e-HRM Inc as an information sharing and HR training for my team. But due to some stupid bloggers, they tarnish the blog site by blogging racism topics and up-load porn videos - my corporate IT deactivated the picture download. It affected most of my blog articles. After few round of explanation to my local IT management team, Corporate IT requested an official approval from the IT Director to make the decision if the website can be moved to the company white-list. I decided to drop an email to him and his manager and informing them that it is alright for them not to approve my request and I will respect their decision. At the end, the IT Director made the decision not to put the blog website on our company IT "white-List". I accept it. Why? Because it was his area of expertise and authority. 

Example # 2:

After a discussion with my Managing Director, I was tasked to inform my colleague, Manager in charge of Facilities Management to look into my department office renovation. I dropped him an email, enclosed the designated area floor plan and shared with him my proposal. He came to my office, looking worried and shared with me that he cannot accept my proposal as it will cost a lot and too complex due to internal piping and electrical wiring. I told him that I will accept his counter proposal as I am not the expert but shared with him my expectation that the rooms should be sound proof and visitors / non-HR staff should not be able to view my HR staff LCD monitor due to nature of their work.

Based on the above examples, if every one understand the "segregation of duties" policy - there will be less conflict, and misunderstanding among department / functional heads. Beside used as an internal control mechanism, it help to establish the area of accountable and decision making authority.  

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