The Legal Implications of Politics in the Workplace

Podcast with Dr. Marie Gould Harper
Program Director, Management, American Public University

Cynthia Gentile, J.D., Esq.
Associate Professor, Management, American Public University

Christopher Cognato, J.D., Esq.
Labor and Employment Attorney and Legal Associate at Ballard-Spahr, LLP

The controversial political situation in the United States has generated a lot of spirited, aggressive discussions in the workplace. These debates create tension between employees with opposing viewpoints, often leading to internal disruptions, decreased productivity and decreased revenue.

In this podcast, Dr. Marie Gould Harper interviews two legal experts, Cynthia Gentile and Christopher Cognato, about how employers can proactively handle disputes about politics and create a respectful work environment for employees. Other topics that are discussed during this podcast include:

• The role of social media in expressing political views in and out of the office
• Practical ways to curb the tension around political strife
• The need for internal policies and social etiquette rules to lessen political tension at work

About the Speakers

Dr. Marie Gould Harper is the Program Director of Management at American Public University. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Wellesley College, a master’s degree in instructional systems from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate in business from Capella University. She is a progressive coach, facilitator, writer, strategist and human resources/organizational development professional with more than 30 years of leadership, project management, and administrative experience. Dr. Gould Harper has worked in both corporate and academic environments.

Dr. Gould Harper is an innovative thinker and influential leader, manifesting people skills, a methodical approach to problems, organizational vision and ability to inspire followers. She is committed to continuous improvement in organizational effectiveness and human capital development, customer service and the development of future leaders.

Cynthia Gentile is an associate professor in the Management program at American Public University. She is also an adjunct professor of legal studies at Peirce College and the executive editor of the Atlantic Law Journal. Cynthia holds a B.A. in English and American Studies from Douglass College and a Juris Doctorate from the Rutgers University School of Law.

Christopher Cognato is a labor and employment attorney and a legal associate at Ballard-Spahr LLP. His expertise includes workplace discrimination, retaliation, accommodation, union relations and immigration. Chris has a B.A. in English from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law.