Source: Diane Swanson, 785-532-4352, swanson@k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.ksu.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/dswansonbio.html
News release prepared by: Keener A. Tippin II, 785-532-6415

Thursday, February 2, 2006

K-STATE BUSINESS PROFESSOR SAYS SUPER BOWL OFFICE POOLS CAN GAMBLE WITH YOUR SUCCESS ON THE JOB

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University associate professor of management says check with your employer first before starting or participating in an office gambling pool for such events as Sunday's upcoming Super Bowl.

Although such pools are technically illegal, Diane Swanson, K-State's van Waaden business administration professor and the leader of a campaign to emphasize the importance of ethics in business education, sees nothing inherently wrong with participation in these pools by employees at work -- if done in moderation.

While some say such pools sap worker productivity, Swanson said the pools could increase employee morale -- and output.

"Such activities at work do create a bond among employees, increase their interest in being at work and foster a climate of solidarity," Swanson said. "Instead of people sitting solemnly around and not connecting, these kinds of things can help to connect people and create bonds around a focal point of interest. This is desirable in a climate where employees by the thousands have lost jobs due to outsourcing and whopping misconduct at the top of organizations."

According to Swanson, if the office pools are done with the knowledge of the employer and are run fairly and with no corruption, she doesn't see it as a problem -- as long as conflicts of interest, such as coaches and players betting on the games, are prohibited.

"I think one key to balance out the concern is whether the employer is comfortable with this practice," she said. "If the employer has knowledge of it and doesn't view it as disruptive, I do not see them as unethical, per se, although ultimately I have to respect the letter of the law in this area."

Employees who organize office pools where money changes hands could face punishment, dismissal or even legal trouble for engaging in an illegal act. This sort of wagering is against the law in every state except Nevada.

"If the employer has a policy against the practice, then I cannot say it's ethical to have it," Swanson said.