Jane Rye is a student of advertising at StateUniversity and will graduate at the end of the next term. She had a part-time job in the sales department at a local television station. When hired, Rye thought she was very lucky to have a job there, not only for the money but also for the work experience. Pat Trent, the sales manager who hired her, was Rye’s immediate supervisor. Rye was doing a very good job and received considerable support from Trent. In fact, the sales manager had nothing but praise for Rye’s work when reporting to top management. Trent often told her subordinate that her work was exceptional and Trent would like to hire her on a permanent basis after graduation to head a new media research department for the station. The job seemed to promise a challenging and rewarding career. While Rye was flattered by the offer, she was not interested in the position because she found her present job unsatisfying. However, she never told Trent her feelings about the job or the possible appointment. Because Trent had trained Rye and had promoted her to everyone, Rye had become very loyal and grateful to her sales manager. Thus, Rye thought she would betray Trent if she were to refuse the job. After six weeks, however, Rye decided to quit and work part time at the university, but she did not know how to approach her boss. Rye, feeling unable to say anything unpleasant to Trent, let time pass until the day she was ready to quit to start her new job. When Rye got to work that day, the sales manager was scheduled to leave town later that morning. Rye was forced to go into Trent’s office while two other people were there discussing another matter. Trent asked Rye what she wanted, and Rye replied, “I am resigning.” The sales manager was taken completely by surprise and asked Rye why and wondered what was to be done with the project Rye was handling. Rye apologized for such short notice. Rye explained that she was taking a part-time job at the school starting tomorrow. Trent, very disappointed in her subordinate, said, “If you had told me sooner, I could have phased out the project to someone else—now I’m in a bind.” 

1. How should Rye have handled her resignation?

2. Where, when, and how do you think Rye should have resigned? Do you think Trent would have understood under different circumstances? How did Trent foster Rye’s reluctance to communicate?

3. What are some possible long-term repercussions of the way Rye handled her resignation?