Problem:
Reduction in Force (RIF) was a frequent dilemma that was also connected to hiring policies. Managers described filling permanent positions while knowing that a RIF could take place at any time. The procedure for RIF was also ethically problematic to managers:
The part I struggle with is that under the RIF format, the supervisor, me, gets told on Thursday what supervisees have to come in on Friday to get chopped, and they are to be gone that day . . . Gone that day. And I personally believe that that's unethical . . . not because it's severe, but because it's not balanced . . . We would not tolerate any employee
doing that to us.
- What personal and professional values are connected to this dilemma?
- Analyze the dilemma from the perspectives of feminist, Afrocentric, and Ghandian moral principles. How does each inform you about the elements of the dilemma that could promote good or harm?
- How would each perspective lead to particular leadership actions and decisions about this dilemma?