Uhuru & The Governors: What Happens When You Disagree With Your Boss?

Not to be political, but recently the president Uhuru Kenyatta had told the governors to quit Jubilee if they are supporting CORD’s push for the referendum saying it is not in line with the government’s position on the issue. Raila Odinga on the other hand asked the president to stop threatening governors and that he should not be seen as a person who cannot accommodate divergent views.

In line with this we take the angle of your manager not agreeing with the CEO. What would happen if this came about? As an employee which person would you support? Is the side you support more important than your work?

Here is what some Kenyans had to say about the issue:

“I think I would go with the CEO; he is the overall head and crossing him would not be well. Even if his view would not appeal to me I would rather be silent than lose my job. It’s not about who is wrong or right but about me keeping my job and making money,” says Andrew Njogu.

Claire Nkatha is of the opinion that making a stand with the manager may have better advantages.

“I think siding with the manager can be of great benefit and when things cool down a promotion might come in handy. The manager is there with you almost every time and the CEO just comes once in a while. Nobody wants to be the manager’s enemy,” Ms. Nkatha adds.

“I would rather support both parties. If either of them wins I will still be in the good books of the other. Choosing one side is a recipe for disaster and with both sides you cannot lose,” says Dennis Chweya*.

‘What if they come to an agreement and they later learn that you had supported both of them?’ I probe further

“I think it would be time for me to face the consequences. But they can’t be too bad. I am sure one of them would be compassionate enough to let me stay and work as I had before,” adds Mr. Chweya

“Why would I support either of them? I got employed to get a job done and done well not support my superiors’ views. If anything I would be mum on the issue and keep my job. But I think if they are against each other’s views they should not involve any employees in it. It is their own business and they should sort it out and let employees work in peace,” Ms. Valentine Mulandi exclaims.

What is more important; who you support or your salary?