Read the following scenario about Mary. Based upon the information in the text and your own online research, discuss Mary’s ethical options. What do you think that she should do?
Mary recently graduated from college and landed her first corporate job. She works as an administrative assistant for an international corporation that manufactures home decorations in the USA and Europe. On many occasions she had had to travel to Europe to assist company executives conduct business in a wide variety of countries. She had a primary boss in the USA and many secondary bosses in a variety of European countries. On the job only four months, Mary feels that she is already starting to loose her idealism about business. She has heard of and observed employees coming to work intoxicated â€" even sneaking drinks at work. She has seen employees routinely arrive late for work and leave early. Fifteen minute breaks and thirty minute lunches often last twice as long.
Employees routinely use their computers for sending and receiving personal emails, shopping online, checking horoscopes, and the weather, even gambling. And all of that happened in just her department in the USA and Europe. The department manager is very laid back. Mary has tried to talk with him about these problems, but he seems unable or unwilling to confront the problems. It appears to Mary that he wants the employees to like him, and the employees are taking advantage of that. Mary is growing more and more frustrated. She prides herself as a hard worker and assumed the other employees would be too. Mary is tempted to give up and join the other employees, getting paid for doing as little as possible. But she knows that she would not be able to respect herself. She is tempted to go over her managers’ head to his supervisor and complain about the problems. But that would alienate her direct supervisors and the other employees. She has not been at the company long enough to request a transfer, and quitting her job after four months does not seem like a good career move. She is sitting at her desk wondering what she should do.
In response to this scenario, answer the following questions:
1. Using the internet, the library, and your textbook, compare and contrast the rights of employees and the responsibilities of employers in the United States and Europe. Are the laws, customs, and cultures different?
2. If Mary chooses to file a formal complaint with a government agency, what challenges will she face?
3. What kind of reaction will Mary get from her supervisors in the United States and Europe?
4. Finally, advise Mary on what course of action she should take.
First of all, please identify the School Subject as something we will recognize, so you get a teacher versed in that subject. To me "aiu" looks like the initials of a University?
Next, the idea is that YOU analyze this and answer the questions. We HELP but we do not DO it for you. If you ask us specific things that you can not find, that would be a start.
Sra
Using the internet, the library, and your textbook, compare and contrast the rights of employees and the responsibilities of employers in the United States and Europe. Are the laws, customs, and cultures different?
If Mary chooses to file a formal complaint with a government agency, what challenges will she face?
What kind of reaction will Mary get from her supervisors in the United States and Europe?
Finally, advise Mary on what course of action she should take.
1. To gather information about the rights of employees and responsibilities of employers in the United States and Europe, you can start by searching online using search engines such as Google. You can use search terms like "employee rights in the United States" or "employer responsibilities in Europe." This will provide you with articles, government websites, and legal resources that discuss the laws, customs, and cultures regarding employment in these regions.
Comparing and contrasting the rights of employees and responsibilities of employers in the United States and Europe, you may find similarities and differences. For example, both regions generally prioritize fair employment practices, non-discrimination, and safe working conditions. However, specific laws and regulations may differ in areas such as minimum wage, maximum working hours, paid leave, and workers' compensation.
2. Filing a formal complaint with a government agency can pose several challenges for Mary. Some potential challenges she might face include:
- Gathering sufficient evidence: Mary would need to gather enough evidence to support her complaint, such as witness testimonies, records of incidents, and any documentation related to the issues she wants to raise.
- Understanding legal requirements: Mary should be familiar with the specific legal requirements and procedures for filing a complaint with the government agency in her jurisdiction. This may involve filling out forms, providing specific details, or adhering to a specific timeframe.
- Potential retaliation: There is a possibility that Mary may face retaliation from her supervisors or colleagues for filing a complaint. This could manifest in various ways, including harassment, exclusion, or even termination.
- Lengthy process: Filing a formal complaint can be a time-consuming process, as the government agency will need to investigate the matter thoroughly. This means Mary may have to wait for a resolution while dealing with the ongoing issues.
3. The reaction Mary might receive from her supervisors in the United States and Europe can vary depending on the individuals and the organizational culture. However, in this scenario, it appears that Mary's immediate supervisor is not taking action on the issues raised. Therefore, it is possible that Mary might face resistance or indifference from her supervisors if she chooses to raise her concerns. They might see her as a troublemaker or someone who is disrupting the harmony within the workplace.
4. Advising Mary on the course of action she should take is subjective and depends on her personal values and circumstances. However, a possible course of action for Mary could involve the following:
- Document the issues: Mary should start by documenting incidents, such as dates, times, and specific instances of employee misconduct or negligence. This will help provide concrete evidence if she decides to pursue a complaint.
- Research internal channels: Mary could explore other internal channels within the organization to address her concerns. This could include bringing the issues to the attention of HR or seeking guidance from a mentor or trusted colleague.
- Seek support: Mary might benefit from addressing her concerns with other employees who share her perspective. By forming alliances with like-minded individuals, she may be able to collectively advocate for change within the organization.
- Consider alternative approaches: Mary could have a conversation with her immediate supervisor once again, expressing her concerns and emphasizing the impact of these issues on the overall productivity and reputation of the company.
- Consult an employment lawyer: If the issues persist and Mary believes her rights are being violated or her well-being is compromised, she could consult with an employment lawyer. The lawyer can provide guidance on legal options, such as filing a formal complaint with a government agency or pursuing other legal action.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Mary, taking into account her personal values, goals, and the potential risks and benefits of each course of action.