Reference no: EM133098731

Case Study - Wheels and More Sales and Alignment Services

Wheels and More Sales Alignment Services is the leading tyre and wheel alignment company in Jamaica; headquartered at 20 Slipe Road, Kingston 5 with two additional locations in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The business has been in operation for over 20 years and employs approximately 80 employees. WMSAS offers several services including computerized wheel alignment, tyre replacement and balancing and rethreading. WMSAS mission is to "make our customers safer on the road through high quality products and services".

Employees Issues at WMSAS

Mr. Theodore Nicholson is one of the most experienced Sales Representative at WMSAS head office with 15 years' experience. Based on a report from the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) it was revealed that during October 2021 Mr. Nicholson was absent from work for 10 days; and on one occasion he was absent for three consecutive days without medical certification. In addition Nicholson's absence resulted in a 20% decline in the sales target for October 2021. Mr. Nicholson was called to meeting by his supervisor to explain the reasons for the frequency of his absenteeism. Mr. Nicholson expressed that high levels of stress and burn out is responsible for his absence; and believes he is entitled to take his sick days whenever he feels tired. He further told his supervisor that WMSAS would find a replacement for his position anyway should he die as a result of stress. Based on the company's sick leave policy, Mr. Alrick Armstrong, Supervisor believes that Mr. Nicholson is abusing the sick leave based on the high frequency of absenteeism and the explanation given by Mr. Nicholson was unjustified. In addition, it was reported that in recent times Mr. Nicholson would be seen sleeping on the job and other times operating under the influence of alcohol. The rules and regulations and penalties are clearly stated in the company's policy regarding the conduct of employees on the job. Unjustified absenteeism, the use of drug and alcohol, sleeping and fighting on the job are some of the offences which could lead to dismissal which is against the company's policy. Mr. Armstrong is fearful and undecided on how to discipline Mr. Nicholson, although the policy clearly states that suspension would be the applicable penalty for the breaches. Mr. Alrick believes that any action taken against Nicholson could lead to further decline in sales and possible industrial actions by the unionized employees who are currently represented by the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) at the company approach the busy Christmas season.

International Opportunities for WMSAS While WMSAS is dealing with its internal challenges, the CARICOM region has been reaching out for WMASAS products and services. The management of WMSAS is very excited about the prospects for expansion and will be launching the first overseas operations in Barbados by March 2022. WMSAS will be having a board meeting to discuss approaches to source employees for the overseas office by the end of December 2021

Question

Describe the three (3) pillars of fair discipline to Mr. Armstrong. Explain what are the implications for an organization if some or all of the pillars are missing.