You are aware that large amounts of company property have been going missing over the past couple of weeks. You have noticed one of your colleagues putting stationary and other equipment from the office into his bag on a number of occasions and suspect that he is responsible.

What is your response to the situation?Rank the following options in number order from the least effective to most effective response.

A-Gather more evidence and catch her red handed.

B-Confront your colleague and ask her about what you have noticed.

C-Inform your manager that you suspect your colleague is stealing.

D-Don't do anything, if guilty your colleague will be caught.

E-Privately ask some of your colleagues if they have noticed anything suspicious recently.

5 (least effective) - D

This would be the worst option from the list. This option does not resolve the issue. You have not addressed why this behaviour is occurring, confronted your suspicions or informed anyone else. This activity is illegal and may now continue indefinitely.

4-A

In this option you are not taking decisive action. Instead, you are spying on your colleague and wasting your own time. In the meantime more hospital property may be stolen.

3-E

In this option, you are at least doing something, but are still not taking any decisive action. Gathering further information will not necessarily bring about a resolution or allay your suspicions, will not prevent further theft and may lead to misplaced rumours being spread about your colleague, who may quite possibly be innocent.

2-C

By doing this you take decisive action and draw your problem to the attention of someone senior, who can deal with the situation through the correct channels. However, you might be wrong and you haven't given your colleague the chance to explain their actions first.

1-(most effective) B

This is the best option from the list as it allows you to discuss the issue directly with your colleague addressing your suspicions and clearing any doubt or ambiguity. On the basis of this outcome you would then proceed to option C.