Signatures

[newtofl]

My companies policy is that I transcribe letters and sign the "writers" name and put a stamp that says "signed in absence to avoid delay".  The reason they have is that the writer's are not in this office and it would take too long to go back and forth so therefore, I sign their name and stamp it (they look at the letters and give an ok first).

I have always thought this was not a good practice but am now wondering if this is "OK".  Please let me know if this falls under the don't do category.

Thanks.
Susan

[andream]

nope susan it doesnt fall under the "don't do category" because there is clear evidence that you've signed FOR someone not AS someone, your stamp covers you professionally and legally.

[venim102]

Wow!  I never expected this much response!  I should show my boss because when I asked him what his policy was on issue, he didn't have one.  He never came across this situation before, he always signed himself.

The letter I spoke of is simply introducing a new program to our suppliers.  The ones he asked me to sign are for our smaller or secondary suppliers.  The letter is no big deal, but there are 90 of them.  Because he wants the letter to show his personal attention, we agreed to have me sign his initials only, type his name and title below it, then type both of our initials further below that.

I think you all have a good point under the circumstances you related this to and I thank you all for your input!  

venim102

[lauragfoss]

I will only sign mass mailings that don't include any pricing, etc. and then I sign writer's name with my initials following.

[drsouce]

One more idea...  We do several mass mailings a year that are merged from a database onto letterhead.  This then creates 100 or more "originals" to be signed.  
Because they are merged, the letters (and signature block) line up exactly the same.  I then have bossie sign a blank sheet of paper and I run the merged letters through the copier for his signature.  (then shred the blank paper)

Yes, I've occasionally signed a stylized version of bossie's name.  Say his name is "Robert", I sign a scribbled "Bob".  The office knows when that is there it is me, but customers do not.  It would never count for authorizing anything, and his signature is un-forgeable for me.