Plunder Scenario 28
You supervise a Procurement Manager who seemingly has a problem with substance abuse and shows signs of intoxication while at work. What are the implications and concerns, and how do you handle this?
AP Response:
The implication here is that the individual lacks the authority to commit the organization to financial obligations. This is a fundamental principle, as legal capacity is a core element of any binding contract. The challenge, however, is that many outside of Procurement fail to recognize this connection and may not hesitate to engage in such commitments.
We’ve encountered this issue twice. During the second instance, we discreetly recommended the staff member consider the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), without disclosing my reasons. We also requested that she be reassigned to a different area, which eventually occurred. Unfortunately, her behavior escalated afterward, and both HR and Administration remained unresponsive.