Reference no: EM133180113

Question 1

You have just been hired to work in the Human Resource department of a local marketing firm, Swift River Advertising (SRA). You have been hired as a specialist in the area of Employee Relations. Soon after you arrive at SRA you are approached by one of the front line supervisors, Janet Bilon, regarding a recent personnel issue that has arisen with one of her subordinates. Background: James Lewin was hired 3 years ago as a marketing consultant. For the first 2 years of his career James' role consisted mainly of performing research and meeting with clients out in the community. James spent little time in the office and often mentioned how much he enjoyed the freedoms he had in his job. After two years on the job it was uncovered that James had frequently conducted personal business on work time. When Janet discovered that this was going on she was conflicted about how to handle it. James was well liked by clients and coworkers and Janet was hesitant to take disciplinary action. Rather than confronting James about the situation she decided to change his work arrangements so that she could keep a closer eye on him. James' new working arrangements had him working exclusively in the office, often under the close supervision of Janet. All interactions with clients were now done over the phone or via e-mail. Initially James was compliant with the change and seemed to be performing adequately. However, after several weeks of working with Janet in the office James' attitude started to change. Initially the changes were subtle: grumbling when given instructions, refusing to work overtime when he was needed, and being uncooperative when others asked for help. Eventually the problems became more severe until the point where one week James missed two shifts without notifying anyone that he would be absent. After his unexcused absences Janet felt she had no choice but to dismiss James. When James returned to work he was called into the supervisor's office. When he got to the office he was informed that he was being let go because of a history of disciplinary issues including: conducting personal business on work time, his poor attitude at work, and his recent unexcused absences. After being told that he had been terminated James was escorted by security to his desk to collect his things. While he was packing up a heated verbal exchange arose between James and the security guard. Eventually James was physically removed from the premises. 

Dilemma: (When answering these questions, you should support them with well-thought-out reasons.) Janet has come to speak with you to obtain some advice. She would like to know: 

1. In your opinion, what mistakes did Janet make in handling the problems with James? 

2. What could Janet have done differently to ensure that due process was followed and her actions could be considered defensible? 

3. Could Janet or the organization be facing any further legal or financial problems in the future because of how the situation was handled? Explain