Using the following reference, answer the 3 attached
questions.
Human Resource Management Applications: Cases, Exercises,
Incidents, and Skill Builders, Stella M. Nkomo, Myron D. Fottler, R. Bruce
McAfee
CASE #82: THE EDUCATIONAL LEAVE PROBLEM (page 245)
OVERVIEW:
This incident focuses on some of the problems associated
with giving fringe benefits to employees. While the incident deals with two
particular benefits, tuition reimbursement and educational leaves of absence,
the principles involved apply to other benefits as well. The issue involved
here is that of equity and fair treatment of all employees. However, in most
firms, the nature and amount of benefits varies with one’s position within the
firm’s hierarchy. Supervisors typically receive higher and more varied benefits
than non-supervisor personnel. This often leads to conflicts and equity
concerns, as we see in this actual case.
CASE QUESTIONS:
1. Should Rollermakers Corporation allow the two inside
sales people miss work in order to attend classes? Should it pay for the
tuition? Why?
2. Should the firm continue to allow the Purchasing Manager
to attend the evening MBA program and to pay his tuition?
3. Should there be a formal policy regarding educational leave
or should it remain informal? If the firm decides to formalize its policy, what
provisions should it contain?
