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Post1

When it comes to determining the qualifications of an Uber driver, it is vital to distinguish between skills and abilities. Kinicki (2021) emphasizes that while abilities are the natural aptitudes or talents a person possesses, skills are acquired through learning and practice. In the context of an Uber driver, abilities might include natural spatial awareness or innate people skills. On the other hand, the skills crucial for the role would encompass safe driving techniques, the proficiency to use the Uber app effectively, a comprehensive understanding of local routes, good communication skills to interact with passengers, and the ability to manage stressful situations, especially during peak traffic hours.

My stance on drug testing, both pre and post-employment, leans towards its implementation. Given the rapidly changing landscape of our workplaces, ensuring a safe and productive environment is paramount. Drug testing can act as a deterrent for potential misuse of substances that might impair job performance, jeopardize the safety of others, or negatively affect the workplace environment. From my personal viewpoint, irrespective of the nature of the job, maintaining one’s cognitive and physical faculties at their optimum is essential. Thus, regular and consistent drug testing acts as a checkpoint ensuring that employees are functioning at their best (Kinicki, 2021).

The topic of smoking breaks at work, traditionally reserved for cigarettes, brings forth an intriguing dilemma when considering the inclusion of marijuana, especially in states where its use is legalized. Owning a company would indeed add layers of responsibility and considerations to this decision. While it is essential to respect individual choices and rights, the primary concern would remain the impact on job performance, safety, and the overall work environment. Hickner (2021) highlights that while certain relaxation techniques can enhance productivity, it’s essential to evaluate the broader implications. In my capacity as an owner, I would be hesitant to permit marijuana breaks. The lingering effects of marijuana, which could potentially affect decision-making, concentration, and motor skills, could pose risks that are hard to predict and manage.

References

Hickner, J. (2021). A thoughtful approach to drug screening and addiction. Journal of Family Practice, 70(3), 110. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A660823877/ITBC?u=l…

Kinicki A. (2021). Organizational behavior: a practical problem-solving approach (Third). McGraw-Hill Education

.post 2

The skills needed to be an Uber driver would be driving and communicating. Being a good driver is important when you are in charge of the safety of yourself and others regularly while on busy roads. Being a good communicator is also a huge benefit to driving Uber, as your passengers may want to discuss subjects with you, and you can benefit by knowing how to respond. The difference between a skill and an ability is that a skill is something that you learn to do. In contrast, an ability is something that you do naturally. Abilities are turned into skills with much practice and direction. This skill is discussed as extroversion in the class text.

I believe drug testing is necessary for certain employment; for example, working with kids would not be a profession where you want your employees to be under the influence of drugs. In this example, testing before and while employees are employed seems fair. This will protect the organization’s integrity and put the consumers at ease, as well as the other employees who may not partake in drugs naturally. Testing for drugs makes a show of conscientiousness ultimately.

According to Hasan (2023), marijuana is a psychoactive drug, which means that it affects the mind. I do not think that it benefits the focus of employees, and so, for this reason, I would vote against allowing marijuana smokers to smoke marijuana during work breaks. Whether you own the company or not, there is a desire for workers to be mentally focused on their work. If they are not mentally focused, mistakes can happen of a dangerous and costly sort to the owners and everyone involved. This is not a risk owners would be willing to take when taking into account every angle. For example, the owner’s responsibility would be workers’ compensation and damages to the location.

References

Hasan, K. M. (2023). Cannabis Unveiled: An Exploration of Marijuana’s History, Active Compounds, Effects, Benefits, and Risks on Human Health. Substance Abuse: Research & Treatment, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/11782218231182553