Deck 11: Human Resource Management: Finding and Keeping the Best Employees

Question 1

What would be the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a former employee in larger organizations In small firms

Answer 1

It may be easier to hire back an employee in large organizations, but only after discussion with the other employees. They may welcome a great worker back. It depends greatly on the circumstances. Students should be able to think through such issues. That's what these cases demand. In a small firm, hiring people back can have more severe consequences for promotions and such. Discuss.

Question 2

What are the key issues in the case

Answer 2

It is a good idea to let students develop this case. They should consider that the company policy is to have everyone pass a physical. Policies are there for just such cases-so that managers don't have to make decisions over and over again with hard cases. But the human side also needs to be considered, as does the affect on existing employees and customers.

Question 3

Have companies done enough to adjust to women in the workplace

Answer 3

Some companies have, but many have done little or nothing. In the future, all companies will have to do something because women will make up a huge part of the labor force, especially in the service sector. Focus should be on families, not just women.

Question 4

How valid were David Heard's concerns about the effect of returning employees on the company's culture

Question 5

Develop several realistic alternatives for Wheatley to consider.

Question 6

Which of the issues mentioned so far do you feel is most important Why

Question 7

At which level of the organization should the rehire decision be made-supervisory, middle management, or upper management

Question 8

What decision do you recommend that Wheatley make

Question 9

What else could companies do, if anything, to assist women workers Would you recommend that they do that