This refers to Shyamal Majumdar's column "Exit interviews" (Human Factor, February 15). The normal feedback mechanism, if at all, operates between an employee and his immediate superior. Thus, what the top management functionaries ultimately get to hear is more likely to be in accordance with the perception of their next-in-line functionaries as to what their bosses would like to hear. An exit interview, thus, should allow the top management functionaries to get a direct feedback from an employee leaving the company. This feedback, however, may be overplayed or underplayed in individual cases. Therefore, a better way is to foster an open organisational culture with regular feedback across all levels of the organisation, without any hierarchical protocols. A formal mechanism like a monthly "open house" or an informal chat by top managers with junior employees can serve the purpose better.
Kishor Kulkarni Mumbai
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