HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
OUM BUSINESS SCHOOL
SEMESTER SEPTEMBER (2014)
BMHR 5103
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
ASSIGNMENT 2
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ASSIGNMENT 2 QUESTION
Assignment 2: Case Study
(25%)
You are required to analyse a case study and answer the
questions given with regards to human resource management issues. Use double
space and 12-point of Times New Roman font. This assignment is an individual
task. The case is in Appendix 1 and you are required to answer the following
questions:
Questions:
a) Based
on the case, is Mariam behaving ethically? Explain.
(7
marks)
b)
How would you describe Mariam’s style in
handling the staff grievances. Discuss some important factors that could help shape
her ethical behavior at work.
(10 marks)
c) If
you are Bakar, the advisor, what would you do to help the organisation?
(8 marks)
ASSIGNMENT 2 ANSWER
a)
Based on the case, is Mariam behaving ethically?
Explain.
Ethics refers to “the principle of
conduct governing an individual or a group; specifically, the standards you use
to decide what your conduct should be”. (Manuel 1992)
Making ethical decisions always
requires normative judgments. A normative judgment means that something is good
or bad, right or wrong, better or worse.
In this case, Mary is clearly not
ethical in the performance of his duties in the office. She is also often seen
that there is abuse of power for personal gain. She also does not move in line
with the company in which he himself was not concerned with the goals and
vision of the company Excel Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd.
She was also seen with a nonchalant
manage the company without taking into account the effect that the company will
face. He is often seen as not serious in making decisions and sometimes hand
over decision making to his subordinates who had no responsibility for the
task.
Among other things, she is also seen
ever leave important tasks to his subordinates on the ground wishing to attend
her birthday party abroad. This is totally irresponsible seen as the task is
very important and critical to the company at that time.
In my observation, it’s proven that
Mariam is behaving unethical in performing her official duties as Chief
Executive Officer at Excel Insurance Broker Sdn Bhd.
d) How would you describe Mariam’s style
in handling the staff grievances? Discuss some important factors that could help shape
her ethical behavior at work.
She is seen with a nonchalant and irresponsible in handling
the staff grievances.
Often his subordinates complain and are unhappy with the direction given by
him. She seemed to want to wash her hands and wants to be given this
responsibility to others.
She did not seem tough on
subordinates and at the same time giving a bad example to other employees. As
example, a junior requested
for an annual leave of two days during one of the peak periods where clients
were due for their renewals. She was reluctant to allow and the staff answered,
“If you don’t allow, it’s alright...” in a strong voice.
At the end, she gave in. To make matter worst she herself
took a week’s leave during the same period to attend to a friend’s birthday
party in Bangkok. She left the entire decision making to the senior manager and
to the advisor.
As a CEO, Mariam should behave ethically and efficient in
managing office affair while maintaining the rigor that is supposed to control
the situation.
Mariam is supposed to be role models to her subordinates. And
to become one, she must have behave ethically. Among the factors that could
polish Mariam ethical behavior is;
i.
Behavior
All companies specify what is
acceptable behavior, and what is not, when hiring an employee. Many even
summarize expected conduct in job descriptions or during the interview process.
Behavior guidelines typically address topics, such as harassment, work attire
and language. Workers who don’t follow codes of conduct may receive written and
verbal warnings, and ultimately be fired.
ii.
Integrity
A key component to workplace ethics
and behavior is integrity, or being honest and doing the right thing at all
times. For example, health care employees who work with mentally or physically
challenged patients must possess a high degree of integrity, as those who
manage and work primarily with money. Workers with integrity also avoid gossip
and sneakiness while on the job.
iii.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for your
actions is another major factor when it comes to workplace ethics and behavior.
That means showing up on scheduled workdays, as well as arriving on time and
putting in an honest effort while on the job. Workers who exhibit
accountability are honest when things go wrong, then work toward a resolution
while remaining professional all the while.
iv.
Teamwork
A vital aspect of the workplace is
working well with others. That includes everyone from peers to supervisors to
customers. While not all employees will always like each other, they do need to
set aside their personal or even work-related differences to reach a larger goal.
In many instances, those who are not considered “team players” can face
demotion or even termination. On the other hand, those who work well with
others often can advance on that aspect alone, with teamwork sometimes even
outweighing performance.
v.
Commitment
Ethical and behavioral guidelines in
the workplace often place a high amount of importance on dedication. Although
possessing the necessary skills is essential, a strong work ethic and positive
attitude toward the job can carry you a long way. Plus, dedication is often
viewed in the business world as “contagious,” meaning employees who give a
strong effort can often inspire their co-workers to do the same.
e)
If
you are Bakar, the advisor, what would you do to help the organization?
One should know
that the positions held by Bakar is to monitor and advise the board of
directors on the progress of company's performance and office affairs.
And it is the
responsibility of Bakar to inform the truth to the board of directors of Excel
Insurance Brokers Limited. Bakar should also provide a full report of Mariam
appraisal to convince the real thing that is happening.
After
obtaining approval from the board of directors, Bakar as Corporate Business
Advisor may recommend that the contract for Mariam is not going to be renew on
the grounds of her performance in the company.
The business world operates not on compassion. They are fully
operational profit-oriented. The presence of Mary in the Excel Insurance
Brokers Sdn Bhd is seen as a liability that should be avoided before it becomes
severe. Excel Insurance Brokers require a CEO is more sensitive to the goals of
the company and ethically in carrying out daily tasks.
Mariam termination is one that needs to be done to save Excel
Insurance Broker from devastating consequences.
However, as a Corporate Business Advisor himself Bakar can
rely on these recommendation on terminating Mariam’s employment in Excel
Insurance Broker Sdn. Bhd;
a.
Give Mariam
information about the business problems and provide some sense that layoffs may
be necessary as soon as you think they may be necessary.
b.
Speak with a
qualified employment law attorney with experience in layoffs.
c.
Non-discriminatory
practices are a must in layoffs, Mariam’s lay off must be painstakingly
determined.
d.
Do layoffs as soon
as the business need makes them necessary. Layoffs are not a time to punt;
preparation will make layoffs less painful for all.
REFERENCES
Velasquez, M. G. (1982). Business ethics: concepts and cases.
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.
7 Tips for Compassionate
Layoffs. (n.d.). About.com Human
Resources. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/layoffs-downsizing-strategies/qt/7-tips-for-compassionate-layoffs.htm
Hatcher, T. G.
(20072002). Ethics and HRD: a new
approach to leading responsible organizations. Jaipur, India: Rawat
Publications.
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