John Turner had been working as the finance director for the City of Detroit for more than
Question:
John Turner had been working as the finance director for the City of Detroit for more than five years, John was an excellent employee and represented the city well in all his financial and administrative duties. Shortly after the newly elected mayor took office, the mayor asked for the resignation of all department directors (including John). The mayor further explained that directors should continue to serve in an acting capacity and should reapply for the permanent position if interested. What further complicated the situation was the local media's coverage of this story. For more than 3 months, John's name (along with 7 of his colleagues), were frequently mentioned in the newspaper and John was constantly approached by news reporters looking for a comment or status of his job situation.
In addition to the anxiety and dismay John experienced of being asked to resign, he found himself explaining to his young daughter that his potential loss of employment had less to do with his job performance, and more to do with the mayor's right to appoint whomever he desires. John's eight year old daughter was apparently getting questions about her dad's work situation from the parents of her school friends.
Fortunately, the mayor did not accept John's resignation and he was able to keep his job. Unfortunately, the publicity and negative sentiment John experienced over this situation left him feeling betrayed and isolated. The loyalty John once had for his job and the City of Detroit no longer remained.
- Questions:
- Was the mayor of Detroit right to ask for John's resignation?
- Even though John's resignation was not accepted, do you think that John can ever be loyal to his employer again?
- Doesn't an employer have the right to hire or fire whomever s/he wishes (especially senior managers)?
- Could the mayor of Detroit handled the situation differently?
- Now that the mayor of Detroit retained John, what could he do to regain John's loyalty?
International Marketing And Export Management
ISBN: 9781292016924
8th Edition
Authors: Gerald Albaum , Alexander Josiassen , Edwin Duerr