If there is a song about signs, there should be one about policies. Maybe there is one but I just haven't heard it yet. If there isn't one, maybe I'll write it.
This is what Wikipedia has to say about the meaning of the word 'policy': A policy is typically described as a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcome(s).
If there's one thing I find more repugnant than month-old summertime garbage, it's irrational, inconsistent, or insensible policies.
Today I had near run-in with a policy enforcement officer. I wanted to return a bra. It had been purchased, brought home, and tried on. It fit, the price tag was cut off, it was worn....for half a day. One of the bra straps had a metal detail on the front of it which sported the brand name. The metal attachment, in time, proved to be an uncomfortable feature.
The cashier informed me that, "It is store policy to not accept returns of bras that have been worn...for health reasons." So tell me, what is the difference between trying on a bra in the store, and bringing it home and wearing it for a couple of hours and returning it when discovering that it is, in a way, defective? What if a woman tries out a new bra in the store's fitting room and tries on 10 different outfits while giving that bra a test-drive? In any of these scenarios the bra is worn against potentially sweaty skin. I guess the store's fitting room has a magical, invisible, omnipresent disinfectant?!?!
Fortunately the policy enforcement officer was in an amiable mood and decided to over-rule the policy, "Just this ONE time." Is there a policy in place to protect shoppers "for health reasons" or isn't there? I've come to realize that a policy is just as flexible (or inflexible as the case may be) as the person behind the desk.
And the person behind the desk is usually drunk with power. And can only see a rule book, and a criminal TRYING TO SCREW THE STORE, instead of a person with a reasonable request.
ReplyDeleteNotes from the inside...
A very valuable piece of information. Especially for me ;)
ReplyDeleteOwen read a book (for his master's degree) about "Street-level bureaucrats." Nomatter what the policy is, it's the people who have to enforce it who really decide how the policy is applied. I'm glad you got a street-level bureaucrat who was willing to look at things from your perspective!
ReplyDeleteThanks C-Dubs, me too!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have helped you out Dietrich!
Sandi, thanks for sharing notes from the inside.
ReplyDelete"NO, you CAN'T swap a soft drink for a tea in your value meal!" ; )