Asia - Europe Business

The findings of case n°111118: Mme. Lei TANG v. Group ESC Rennes.

 

Dear All,

In 2007, I was recruited by the Group ESC Rennes to join their faculty as an "Assistant Professor". The Business School routinely encourages professors to secure consulting assignments from French companies in order to build accreditation for the ESC business program. The School’s published guidelines encourage this activity to enhance the School’s reputation and increased market presence. Because of my professional experience in Asia and my dual Sino-French business credentials, the French Post Office offered me a consulting assignment to attend “Mobile Asia Congress in Macao”. The total amount of the contract was 3000 Euros. Before signing this contract, the project was approved by the Administration of the School. Complying with the School’s standing policy, Group ESC Rennes would take 15% of my consulting fee (or 450€), leaving the 85% balance (or 2550€) as compensation for my report that analyzed and summarized information and trends presented at the wireless forum.

After I fulfilled my contractual requirements, the Post Office paid my 3000€ consulting fee directly to the School. Without any prior discussion or notice to me, Group ESC Rennes decided to change the terms of the contract. Despite my understandable protests, the School refused to pay me. By July of 2008, I received a notice of dismissal for contrived allegations of incompetence as an instructor and spurious complaints about my academic credentials, research and publications.

I viewed these actions as a deliberate attempt to defame me and cause lasting damage to my professional standing. These false allegations became a matter of court record.  During the legal proceedings, the School refused to acknowledge my rights as a French National and criticized my academic achievements. Despite earning a masters and a doctorate from well regarded universities in Paris, Group ESC Rennes stated that my PHD diploma was “second rate”.

The Labour Court of Rennes reviewed my case on May 30, 2011, (a three year delay) and eventually decided the case in my favor. I note a few key points:

- The Labour Court ruled that the dismissal of Mme. Tang by the Group ESC Rennes was not based on cause, and it’s (the dismissal) without any reason and truth.

- Condemns the Group ESC Rennes to pay Mme. TANG XXXXX€ for damages and 1500€ of legal fees, under Article 700 of the CPC.

- Condemns the Group ESC Rennes to reimburse the Pôle Emploi (the division employment) for six months of benefits on the basis of Article L1235-4 of the Labour Code.

- The Group ESC Rennes should reimburse all administrative expenses of the Court.  

 

During these 3 years, I relied upon many people who supported my cause in Labour Court and encouraged me not to give up. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your assistance.

 Lei TANG

A Repeat Worth Repeating

An email was transferred by a friend yesterday, I feel that it’s so funny, and I would like to share with you:

 

Nine words women use:

 

(1)   Fine  :  This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

 

(2)  Five Minutes :  If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

 

(3)   Nothing :  This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

 

(4)   Go Ahead :  This is a dare, not permission Don't Do It!

 

(5)   Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing.

(Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

 

(6)  That's Okay :  This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

 

(7)  Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a

lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' , that will bring on a 'whatever')

 

(8)  Whatever : Is a woman's way of saying GO TO HELL

 

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it : Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

 

 

Lisa

France Telecom CEO faces backlash over suicides

France Telecom CEO Didier Lombard has faced calls for his resignation in France following the recent suicide of a France Telecom employee, the 24th such incident at the firm in the last 18 months. According to a Financial Times report, France's opposition socialists and far-left parties have demanded that Lombard resigns immediately and takes "responsibility" for the management practices that unions say have pushed some vulnerable staff members to the edge. France Telecom - the company behind the Orange mobile brand - is still 27 percent-owned by the French state and 65 percent of its estimated 100,000 employees are classed as civil servants. Lombard faced questions at a social affairs committee this week and was told "to take more account of the human factor in work organisation." He was also criticised by union leaders for his slow response to the problem, which he controversially described recently as a "fashion."

 

Lisa

 

Defusing Stress At Work

In many cases, workplace stress is an ongoing problem that requires dedicated attention. On the organizational level, improvements such as better delegation of responsibility help relieve stress by taking the workload off of key employees. On a personal level, relaxation and coping techniques are suggested in many articles.

Name your stress. Identifying what's stressing you out is the first step to managing it. You may also want to keep a stress diary where you record the occasions that are stressful to you, or trigger anger or anxiety that cause a physical response like sour stomach or a headache.

Divide. a massive job into manageable parts and manage job complexity by delegating responsibly. Delegate! Delegate! Cultivate allies at work to help with monumental tasks as they present themselves.

Take care of yourself. Get enough rest. Build quiet time each day, even if it's just a few minutes. Learn relaxation techniques. Maintain good nutrition and increase water consumption. As an expert says, "Stress-related headaches are often simple cases of dehydration."

Reward yourself. Mark successes with anything from a candy bar to a night out. Don't just charge ahead to the next impossible task. As the experts say, "Give yourself a medal" and savor the moment.

Learn to laugh. Laughing releases endophines in the body, which helps you function more effectively. Laughter also enhances creativity.

Get fit. Exercise is unparalleled for reducing stress and improving your health. If intense workouts are not for you, try yoga or pilates. These mind-body exercises are slower paced and more relaxing. When choosing the best exercise program for yourself, consider what you are trying to accomplish and what you enjoy.

Take vacation. It's important to have a proper break to fully disconnect from the pressures of work and re-energize. By booking a vacation in advance you also have something fun to look forward to...and don't take the laptop along.

Get help. if things are just too stressful. Consider a good personal or employee assistance counselor. Talking to someone with an objective viewpoint can put a fresh perspective on problems.

Try it, and you will feel better!

Lisa