Case Study

Susan M. Dorries

Florida Institute of Technology

Case Study – Human Resources

As the programming director for the city's data processing department, it would be necessary to handle the new hire of Theresa Topcop in a way that would welcome her to the department. It would also be necessary to reassure the current employees in the department that this is a valuable opportunity for the department as well as for them as employees.

As I had already called a meeting to inform the staff about Theresa, I would readdress the office staff who publicly voiced their opinions. I would arrange for a meeting with David Denman and discuss the fact that Isabel Info had done the hiring based on Theresa's qualifications. I would inform Denman that while Theresa was the police chief's wife, it was her experience that resulted in her hire. I would also inform David that current office staff was not given an opportunity to interview as upper management made the decisions. This would lead to explaining that Theresa would have valuable input for the organization due to her past experience with large corporations.

As far as the other staff member who was concerned about the salary that was going to given to Theresa, I would stress that our new data administrator was given the salary based on her performance and experience. I would then discuss ways that current employees could increase their salaries as well.

After addressing these issues, I would distribute a memo to the office staff clarifying these issues, advising them to welcome Theresa and if there were any additional question or concerns, they could speak with me at any time.

In light of the civil service system, this problem would be addressed in a similar way as the Civil Service Reform Act gives agencies flexibility in hiring, performance evaluations, and pay systems for managers.

As a side note, this actually happened in our office. A new associate director was hired for our department. The...