Are Bosses Always Right?

By Syed Mudasir Mushtaq

The role of a boss is crucial in ensuring that an organization functions efficiently and achieves its objectives. However, the phrase “A boss is always right” raises questions about the legitimacy of their decisions and actions. Is this statement a myth or a reality?

In both government and private organizations, bosses play a significant role, but their responsibilities and the way they exercise authority differ.

Government Sector: Bosses are bound by rules, regulations, and legal frameworks. They have limited discretion and must adhere strictly to policies. They are responsible for maintaining transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Private Sector: Bosses often have greater flexibility in decision-making. They prioritize business interests over strict adherence to regulations while being expected to balance profitability with employee welfare.

The Behavior of a Boss Towards Subordinates

A good boss should exhibit professionalism, fairness, and integrity while dealing with subordinates and ensuring compliance with laws and rules. A boss must function strictly within the boundaries of established policies. Favoritism and bias should have no place in the workplace. Every employee should be treated equally, regardless of personal relationships. Promotions, postings, and rewards should be based on merit, seniority, and experience rather than personal preferences.

A boss should lead by example and ensure that office discipline is upheld. The primary focus should be on the betterment of the organization rather than personal benefit. A boss should maintain a professional distance from subordinates to prevent favoritism and misuse of authority. If a boss develops friendships or close relationships with subordinates, those individuals may exploit the relationship for personal gain. Some employees try to stay close to their boss by offering gifts, treating them to meals, or providing transportation. Such practices lead to injustice among weaker and helpless employees and must be strictly avoided.

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Respect and Compliance with a Boss’s Orders

Every subordinate should obey the orders of their boss, respect them, and comply with their directives. Bosses are typically experienced, educated, knowledgeable, and have the credentials of passing competitive exams or excelling in their fields. Their competence and expertise make them bosses. Certainly, bosses are more mindful, knowledgeable, and trained decision-makers than subordinates. They are entrusted with authority and responsibility; therefore, subordinates should respect their boss and comply with their instructions to maintain discipline and efficiency in the organization.

A Successful Boss

A successful boss maintains a good relationship with employees, listens to their genuine concerns, respects subordinates, and always extends support for their well-being. They must provide support and benefits to all eligible subordinates rather than practicing favoritism or selectively choosing individuals for personal reasons.

Faithfulness, Honesty, and Integrity in Employment

Everyone, whether a boss or a subordinate, must be faithful, honest, and uphold integrity. They must respect the government or organization that provides them with employment and sustenance. Additionally, they must work diligently for the institution that has entrusted them with responsibilities. Upholding these values ensures a just and effective work environment and contributes to the overall progress and integrity of the organization.

Discretion vs. Compliance with Rules

While some level of discretion is granted to bosses for decision-making, it must always align with legal and organizational rules. Exercising discretion to favor certain individuals, bypassing normal departmental channels, or making personal gains is a violation of ethical and professional standards. A responsible boss should follow due process while making decisions, ensure that rules are implemented for the organization’s benefit, avoid misusing authority for personal gain, and uphold workplace integrity by maintaining fairness in all dealings.

Accountability of a Boss

If a boss is always right, then why are some bosses held accountable and penalized for violating rules and engaging in illegal practices? The reality is that not all bosses act responsibly. Some misuse their authority, break regulations, and engage in unethical practices, leading to disciplinary actions against them. However, this does not apply to every boss. A good boss operates within legal boundaries and ensures fairness, while those who exploit their position for personal gain ultimately face consequences.

Bosses Are Also Bound by Rules

Employees of a department or organization are bound by laws, rules, regulations, and conduct guidelines. However, the boss is not exempt from these regulations. Just as subordinates are expected to follow procedures, so too must a boss adhere to the same legal and ethical framework. A boss who disregards these rules can be held accountable for their actions. The notion that a boss has unlimited authority is a misconception; instead, they must operate within the confines of the law and organizational policies.

Bypassing Senior Officials for Personal Benefit

Some bosses bypass senior officials and entrust responsibilities to juniors from whom they seek personal benefits. This practice is a violation of laws and rules. Assigning tasks based on personal interest rather than merit and experience undermines the integrity of the organization. Such violations, along with bypassing normal departmental channels and regulations, contribute to corruption and unfair practices that must be avoided at all costs.

Lobbyism and Retaliation in Leadership

Some bosses engage in lobbyism for personal gain, creating an environment of favoritism and corruption. They misuse their authority to take revenge on honest employees who refuse to support illegal activities. As a result, these honest employees often face uncertainty, undue pressure, and mental harassment. This toxic culture discourages integrity and damages workplace morale. A true leader should eliminate such unethical practices and promote an atmosphere of fairness and professionalism.

Conclusion: The Ideal Boss

A good boss is not one who exercises unchecked authority but one who upholds the rules, ensures the welfare of the organization, and treats employees fairly. The belief that “A boss is always right” is more of a myth if it implies unquestionable authority. In reality, a boss is right only when they act within the legal and ethical framework, ensuring fairness, discipline, and organizational growth. A true leader prioritizes the organization’s progress over personal relationships, maintains discipline, and fosters an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to the organization’s success.

Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer. The author is a Post Grad in Public Administration

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