Opportunity Statement the Major Problem That Exists

¶ … Opportunity Statement

The major problem that exists in this scenario is a difference of opinion regarding the appropriate level of managerial control over employees' hours and work schedules, with Accord feeling that the need to repeatedly take time off in order to care for one's aging parents needs to be more carefully managed and controlled, while Munger (and others) feel that there should be a great deal of flexibility and employee determination when it comes to these issues. This centra problem has been clouded by accusations of ageism on one hand and a lack of principled work ethic or efficiency on the other, neither of which are elements that can be proven as motives for any of the individuals involved. These problems create a major opportunity for the clarification and codification of policies regarding time taken to care for ageing relatives and general efficiency and scheduling issues.

Task B1: Generic Benchmarking: Topics

Information on a variety of subjects will be necessary in order to determine what an effective solution to the central problem identified above might be. One of the key considerations should be the current legal standing of employees that are required to provide healthcare or support services to their relatives; while it is clear that many in this case feel there is a moral and ethical right for empoyees to engage in such activities as needed, there is not necessarily a legal right to do so. Even if Accord were guilty of the abuses he is being accused of in the most egregious manner, then, he might not have done anything legally wrong and actionable. This would change the tenor and trajectory of the issue.

Task B2: Generic Benchmarking: Companies

Home Depot (Successfully)

One company that appears to have dealt with similar issues in at least a somewhat proactive and effective manner is Home Depot, the large home improvement and construction retail corporation operating throughout the United States and internationally. As a standard part of their employees' rights and benefits packages, there are five defined types of approved leave that employees can take in response to various life events affecting them directly as well as their families, showing a fair amount of corporate support for these events and the constraints and requirements they place on employees (Home Depot 2011). The company also appears to be highly flexible and accommodating for a variety of recognized health issues, and even offers paid administrative leave in certain circumstances (Employers Group 2011). This strong employee-centered perspective and values framework in the company gives it the appearance of having met similar challenges in a highly effect way.

That being said, there is no specific provision made by the company in regards to caring for ones ageing relative, or even to care for a spouse should the require care (Home Depot 2011). Family medical leaves can be obtained, which generally cover all such circumstances, but these are leaves for days, weeks, or months at a time and do not represent scheduling flexibility during shifts to take care of such issues (Home Depot 2011). It does appear that such flexibility might be offered on a case-by-case basis, but this isn't part of stated company policy.

Blockbuster (Unsuccessfully)