Reference no: EM132261069
Read the following scenario and answer the questions below. Post responses as an attachment and upload the document.
Workplace Dilemma: What would you do?
Sandra is an executive director with a large nonprofit organization that provide services to homeless men, women and children from across the metroplex. The nonprofit is 100% grant funded and Sandra oversees a 2.5 million dollar budget, eight programs, 72 employees and 100+ volunteers. On any given day, 100-200 homeless participants maintain residence in the transitional housing program (shelter) and 200—350 homeless persons receive two hot meals each day.
Dana, is the program manager supervising staff and day-to-day operations of four feeding programs. She has worked for the organization for nine years and have received numerous performance awards during her tenure. Dana’s peers and subordinate staff members value her as an exceptional employee and leader and often state she's a good role model for others to emulate.
Over the last several weeks, Sandra (Dana's boss) has noticed changes in Dana’s behavior. Dana is known to be very bubbly, friendly, personable and outspoken. But lately, she appears withdrawn, distance and depressed. Sandra has also noticed that Dana shows up to work with some sort of injury ranging from a black eye to a broken arm. Other employees have also noticed Dana calling in sick more often and have spent several days in the hospital due to acute physical inquires.
On one particular day, Dana came to work walking with crutches. Sandra suspects Dana is potentially a victim of domestic violence. She felt it was time to conduct a welfare check with Dana just to determinee if Dana's needs support and assistance. Sandra calls Dana into her office to discuss the noticeable changes in her behavior and to gently inquire about her well-being. Dana stated that nothing was wrong and her injuries were due to clumsiness. She further stated that she have not been sleeping well and do not have an appetite. Sandra felt that Dana was not telling her the truth, but simply replied to Dana “ok”, I was just checking in with you.” The conversation ended and Dana returned to her office..
Two weeks later, Sandra was leaving work heading towards the parking lot when she walked up on Dana and her husband in the midst of a hostile, verbal confrontation. Sandra over-heard Dana’s husband yelling at her “I will kill you, even if I have to come to your job to do it!". Sandra immediately called out to Dana and asked if she was okay. In startled reaction, Dana, replied I’m fine, we are just having a small disagreement”. “Have a goodnight”. Dana returned to the passenger side of the car and drove off with her husband. Sandra returned to her car, then left the premises.
While at home, Sandra became preoccupied with thinking a lot about Dana husband’s threat. Sandra worried that Dana’s husband would come to the workplace to hurt Dana along with other employees. Sandra knows, as the leader of the organization, she has an obligation to ensure the workplace remains safe for all employees; as well as the participants receiving services. But, Sandra is unsure about the actions to take in order to keep the workplace safe. She also knows the situation between Dana and her husband is very personal in nature and feels she does not have the right to inquire about an employees' personal life. Sandra feels trapped and overwhelmed by Dana's personal issues and the harm potentially caused to other employees and clients in the event Dana's husband carries out the threat to kill Dana while at work.
Instructions: Provide a response to each question pertaining to the scenario. Your responses should be at least 500 total words. post an an attachment by clicking on the link.
Based on the scenario, what actions would you take, as the executive director of the nonprofit organization; to address the potential threat made by Dana’s husband and to ensure workplace remains safe.
Would you alert other employees about the threat made by Dana’s husband? If so why? If not why not?
In your opinion, would Sandra violate Dana’s right to privacy, if she decide to inform law enforcement of the threat stated by Dana’s husband?
Would you terminate Dana? If so, what would be the reason(s) for the termination? If not, why not?
What recommendations/suggestions would you give Sandra to help her effectively address Dana’s personal issues impacting on the workplace?