MGMT 4402 HR Case Analysis Managing Diversity

Hear Ye’ , Hear Ye’

This case must be typed and completed individually.  Evidence of group work on this exercise will be considered a violation of our academic integrity policy.  Furthermore, you are strictly forbidden from sharing your answers (i.e. write-up) with anyone currently enrolled, previously enrolled, or to be enrolled in this course in the future.

Required Length

There are no specific length requirements for your write-up.  Generally, a well done write-up for this case is probably about 4-6 pages (double-spaced).

Required Formatting

Generally, documents in Size 12, Times New Roman Font with 1” margins that are double-spaced are easiest for me to read.  If you use references, they must follow the rules detailed in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Edition.  Please see our formatting document for this case in Canvas and prepare your answers accordingly.

Due Date

This case must be submitted/uploaded through our LMS on or before the due date (11:59 p.m., ET) listed in the course schedule on your syllabus, unless approved otherwise by the  instructor. Late work will not be accepted.

Purpose

This case focuses on the difficult issue of workplace diversity.  The facts in the case include a derogatory e-mail that was sent throughout the company’s Haverford Plant.  The e-mail was offensive, rude, and insulted both women and minority employees.  Management appears to be stunned by the incident and must decide on what actions need to be taken.  More generally, the purpose of this assignment is threefold: (1) to introduce you to the complex issues surrounding the management of diversity in a large organization, (2) to help you understand the different experiences of women and minorities in the workplace, and (3) to assist you in understanding the difference between equal employment opportunity and managing diversity.

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MGMT 4402                                                     Human Resource Management MGMT 4402

Case Questions

Read the accompanying case and answer each of the following questions. Write your answers in a  professional manner. Please be sure to number your answers!

1. Provide a synopsis of the key issues/situations present in this case. (10 points)
2. Evaluate Johnson Chemical’s actions in dealing with the email.  In your view, did they respond to the incident in a timely manner and send a clear message regarding their stance on offensive workplace behaviors?  Explain.  In general, do they seem to have done all the right things? Explain. (10 points)
3. Examine the information contained in Exhibits 1.14 - 1.17.  What seem to be the most significant diversity issues at Johnson Chemical facing each employee group?  Now examine the information contained in Exhibit 1.10.  Which group appears to have made the greatest gains?  What does Exhibit 1.10 reveal regarding women and minority access to management/ supervisory positions? (20 points)
4. What is the cost of these problems to the organization?  What will happen if they are not addressed? (20 points)
5. In your view, what are the key approaches that management must undertake to address the diversity issues present in their organization? (15 points)
6. What support, skills, and training do managers need to deal with these issues? (10 points)
7. What human resource management policies/practices/procedures need to be carefully examined and possibly modified based on the diversity issues identified at Johnson Chemical?  How should Johnson Chemical address these? (15 points)

Notes

Proper grammar, mechanics, and style are expected in your work at all times.  Your grade on this case analysis may be reduced by up to 20 points for errors in these areas (depending on their severity).

You are responsible for reviewing the debrief that accompanies this case when it becomes available.  This debrief explains the key takeaways for our case and serves as my overall feedback to you.  If you have specific questions about your grade for this case you must contact me within 7 days of our debrief becoming available or within 7 days of receiving your grade (whichever occurs last).