Case: Let’s Cut the Deadweight. Complete the three questions for the case. APA format.
case: Let’s Cut the Deadweight
Two supervisors, Robert and Janet, were in charge of sections of the building services department of Centrat Hespital. They had a fairly close working relationship; they were in a position to cover for each other on occasion and usually did so successfully. Overall, however, they had quite differentstyles of dealing with their employees. The long-anticipated word came down that decliningining admissions and sharp cuts in reimbursement rates necessitated staff reductions. Robert’s staff would haveto be reduced by three people; Janet’s staff was projected to lose two people. On Mondaythey learned officially of the impending cuts; they had to have names turned in byWednesday, and layoffs would actually occur Friday. Monday afternoon they found themselves the layoffs. discussing t Robert said, “How is this supposed to be done? I missed the meeting with the boss this morning thanks to a toxic material spill. I got the information secondhand, and all I know is that I’ve got to dump three people.” “Right,” Janetreplied. “And I have to lose two. These are the times when I’m almost sorry I took a supervisory job.” “Why? Employees come and go. This just means a few have to go unwillingly. I figure on taking advantage of this to cut some deadweight.” “How can you do that? You weren’t there this morning-itwas pretty strongly indicated weshould go by seniority. You know, last in, first out. Unless there’s some compelling reason to the contrary.” “Compelling reasons I’ve got lots of,” Robert responded. “One of mine who’s going is the last in, no trouble there. But the other two are major pains I’ve wanted to get rid offor a long time.” “Got lots of documentation?” “Who needs it?” Robert tapped the side of his head. “It’s here. Overall, I’ll be getting rid of the three worst producers in the group. Nobody will have any idea how people are picked for layoff, and anyway, at least two of these bozos should already figure they’re on the way out.” 2. 1. Questions Is Robertjustified in wanting to get rid of “the three worst producers in the group”? Underwhat circumstances might he be able to do this without creating another kind of problem? What is the possible exposure to the organization and to Robert if he were to go ahead and “cut the deadweight” as planned? 3. What can you infer from the case about the supervisory styles of both Robert and Janet
