Problem:
You are a recent University graduate hired to create a Human Resource department and serve as the HR Director for the SMC Company, which manufactures ergonomic office equipment. SMC is located in a small midwestern town of 30,000 people with a current unemployment rate of 2.2%. The owner is committed to keeping the organization local. Several local companies have experienced recent labor organizing activities. The racial demographic makeup of SMC is 90% white, while the local labor market population is approximately 40% minority. The CEO and five directors are white males. The only female supervisor works in the customer service department. SMC employs 100 employees currently, but due to increased demand, output needs to be increased by 100%. All of the employees in manufacturing, customer service, and operations have a minimum of a high school education or GED. Skills training is provided by the company.