Diversity Consciousness - Case Study Three Review

Diversity Consciousness - Case Study Three Review

Dennis, a new employee from Brazil...

1. Do you think Michael should approve Dennis's request? Can this request be justified given company policy?

In this situation there are two very different schools of thought meaning a) from a business point of view there is no exemption or clause in effect that will accommodate Dennis' request as his "compadre" is a close personal friend and not a direct family member. In simple terms the company's bereavement policy does not accommodate Dennis' request and from a fair and equal treatment standpoint should be enforced to ensure consistency. Conversely, b) from a compassion standpoint Michael may be sympathetic to Dennis' request. However, the fact remains that the business does not accommodate such a request and rules must be enforced to ensure consistency.

In summary, Michael should abide by company policy and deny Dennis' request. Approving such a request creates the precedent for future requests of this nature from other employees and once you start operating outside company policy the business exposes itself to potential human resources and legal issues.

At my place of employment (Aristocrat Technologies) policies and procedures are clearly set at commencement of one's tenure. This said our policy clearly states that bereavement leave applies only to employees who have lost a direct family member. This policy is enforced without exception.

2. If Dennis is allowed to do this, should the company treat all other employees who have a very close friend the same?

In allowing Dennis to take such leave the business opens the door for future requests of this nature and the potential ramifications of inconsistencies moving forward. The reality is if you permit such leave to one employee the business realistically leaves itself with no option but to permit all future requests. Company policies are in effect to avoid issues such as this, they key is to ensure they are communicated, understood, enforced, and available to all employees.

At Aristocrat it is a critical element of business performance that an effective level of communication be enacted to ensure all employees understand business expectations and appreciate what is expected on them individually in achieving business expectations.

3. Dealing with Dennis's request will require Michael to use a number of diversity skills. In this situation, which of Michael's diversity skills do you think will be the most critical? Why?

In a situation such as this Michael has the challenge of enforcing rules and regulations across the board while at the same time being empathetic to the needs of his subordinates. In terms of "diversity skills,"