[Image Source: Maine Maritime Academy]

By Gunnar Heinrich

"The idea is to build some stability while we are in a transition period. Hold them to their current responsibilities until we get through the beginning of the new Chrysler," Chrysler Spokesman Dave Elshoff told the Detroit News in response to a company memo ordering Chrysler execs not to leave.

The memo, written by Chrysler's Global Staff Manager Rita Riner, tells Chrysler's white collar staff not to seek jobs at Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, or Chrysler's Financial Unit.

"Any exceptions must receive prior approval and should be channeled through HR," the memo read.

It appears that Chrysler's people are going through some level of anxiety now that private equity company Cerberus is in-charge (as of Monday) and has hired Robert Nardelli, a cut-throat industry outsider as the company's new CEO.

For those who are nervous, this memo has to go over about as well as a captain's orders to stay at post while the ship is sinking.

The Detroit News interviewed an expert at the University of Michigan to get some insight on how the infamous memo would move people.

"Dave Ulrich, a business professor at the University of Michigan, said the memo could lead to good employees leaving. 'What they need to do is create a clear process for dealing with all employees,' Ulrich said. 'In the face of employment ambiguity, bad things happen. The best employees who have choices elsewhere, leave and take jobs with another firm.'"

[Source: Detroit News]