1-800-BAD-IDEA

The factors that go into creating a "hotline" like this are varied.  The BBC has hired a service that provides the 800 number and a live person on the other end of the phone who will take down all of the information from the caller.  Although I have no doubt that this idea is filled with good intentions, I would have two main questions about this kind of approach. My first question would be why the BBC felt it was necessary to open up such a line of communication.  Second, how are they going to filter these calls into useful and applicable information?

Assuming that most of callers are reporting the actions of coworkers, what has prompted such a reaction?  Think about your own company and what you know of the dynamics within in that structure.  Would you or your coworkers have a need for an 800 number to inform your own management team of the actions of one another?  If so, and assuming you are the complaining employee, would an 800 number be the route you would like to take to change that relationship or that behavior?  Would you feel satisfied with that approach?  

My second thought concerns how this information is being processed through the firm that is providing the service.  How do they take down the information?  Is it in some form, broken down …