Reference no: EM133314317

Jonathan had spent his weekends and summers working at Pizza Hut throughout his teen years, as well as, in college. He had been mentored by a boss he greatly admired, who taught him the value of hiring a diverse workforce. Over those formative years, Jonathan had many opportunities to work with and befriend, people who had a variety of disabilities. After years of hard work, followed by a series of promotions, Jonathan had become a Medical Office Administrator and decided to pattern his leadership style after his boss at Pizza Hut. He wanted to make sure that his office represented "real" people who could reach out to the patients who would be coming into his office.

Susan, a 26-year-old intellectually disabled woman, had worked in Jonathan's office for a year. She had become a valuable asset to the staff as a clerical assistant with her duties of, greeting the patients, sorting the mail, running errands, and sometimes answering the phones when the office became busy. Marcus, a Medical Administrative Assistant, liked Susan well enough but found himself becoming frustrated with her because he felt like she was underfoot and slowed him down. In addition, he took his job seriously and believed any mistakes Susan made, reflected poorly on him.

During a particularly busy afternoon, the waiting room was full, and the phones were constantly ringing. Trying to keep his composure and not let the hectic situation get the best of him, Marcus finally had had enough of trying to delegate tasks to Susan and deal with restless patients. He shouted across the office into the back area, "I could use a little help in here! Can I get someone to help me who's working with a full deck!?" Susan feeling embarrassed, began to apologize to Marcus for "messing everything up."

Hearing this public exchange, Jonathan could hardly contain his own anger and called Marcus into his office.

1. Should Jonathan fire Marcus for his insensitivity towards Susan? Why or why not?

2. What laws are currently in place that deals with diversity in the workplace?

3. Should Susan be moved to another area, or let go herself for not being able to adequately handle the tasks she's been given? Why or why not?

4. What should Jonathan do to ensure that his ideas of diversity are followed in the office?