Human Resource Management

First problems

These are very similar to the essay questions on the exams.

For Problem #2, just answer the question as written.

In all other Problems (except #2), tell me:

1. exactly what is the HR decision being made?

2. what criterion is being used to make this decision, i.e. what is the decision based upon?

3. is the employment action legal or illegal?

1. Jamal, an African American, likes girlie magazines (magazines with pictures of naked women) very much. He brings them to work, studies them while at work, shows them around to other employees, and is rarely at his work station. His supervisor has spoken to him about this on numerous occasions and asked him to leave the magazines at home and to spend his time at work actually working. Unfortunately, Jamal does not heed this advice. He is fired.

2. Jim and Susan are dating, and are deeply in love. Jim constantly follows Susan around the workplace making moon eyes and repeating how beautiful she is and how much he desires her. Is this sexual harassment? If so, what kind?

3. Belle is a born again evangelical Christian. She firmly believes in the sanctity of all human life, and strongly believes that abortion is morally wrong and should be made illegal. Her religion teaches that it is not enough to merely believe, but it is necessary to also convert others to the faith. Everyday, she wears to work a big button, 4 inches across, on her lapel: on this button is a full color picture of an aborted fetus. The button upsets her coworkers. The supervisor has asked her to leave it at home or cover it up while at work. She refuses, claiming that this would interfere with the free practice of her religion. Consequently, she is fired.

4. Percy is an 85 year old employee of Blockbuster. He works at the counter. He's a good employee, he works hard, customers find him charming and sweet. He comes to work on time and has never missed a day of work. Percy's supervisor is 20. He finds 85 year olds...