TERM 2 2014 CQUniversity
HRMT11011 – Human Resources in Organisations
1
ASSESSMENT TASK - Written Assessment: Business Report
Individually prepare a Business Report that addresses the human resource issues
raised in the case study below.
Please note: The questions should be used only as a guide for preparation of
your analysis and justification in the Business Report. Numbered headings
and sub-headings as appropriate are to be used in the report. Your report
should be presented within the word limit of 2500 words +/- 10% (excluding the
reference list).
The Stressed Sales Executive
David Welch, marketing manager for Widget International, based in Australia, had an
extremely successful year. Sales had exceeded budget by 30 per cent. Units sold
were at an all-time high and cost of sales had been reduced by 10 per cent.
The only problem David had was with Pauline Cheng. Until this year, Pauline had
been the department‘s top sales representative. Popular with customers and her
fellow employees, Pauline was ambitious, hardworking and persistent. Pauline, until
recently, had been a low maintenance high achiever with considerable potential.
Pauline’s behaviour and work performance had changed, however, over the past two
months.
David had initially ignored her lateness, sudden temper outbursts and frequent
absences because of her past performance. Last night at a company social function,
however, she had become extremely abusive to Bob Ripley, a manager in the HR
department. David decided he had to discuss Pauline’s behaviour and the effect that
it was having on her work and her relations with her co-workers. When David
broached his concerns with Pauline, she became visibly upset and said she had
some personal problems that were making life stressful. When asked if there was
anything he could do, Pauline said no. David then suggested that Pauline should talk
to someone in HR. Pauline immediately dismissed the suggestion, saying that she
didn’t want those ‘do gooders’ interfering in her personal life. Somewhat taken back,
David said he needed to know how he could help Pauline as he appreciated her past
efforts and valued her as a key member of his team. Pauline replied that all that she
needed was for people to ‘keep their noses out of her affairs’.
David again attempts to elicit what was wrong, but received no response from
Pauline. Shortly after his meeting with Pauline, David received an anonymous email
claiming that Bob Ripley was sexually harassing Pauline.
Based on The Stressed Sales Executive p 347 in Stone Raymond J, 2014, Managing Human
Resources, 4th Edn, John Wiley & Sons, Milton, Queensland.
Guide Questions (The questions are not to be transcribed and used as
Headings in the report)
1. Who are the major stakeholders in this case? Explain your answer including their
respective roles
2. If you were David, what would you do? Justify your response with reference to
relevant sources.
3. What ethical and legal matters are involved? Refer also to relevant specific
legislation and appropriate jurisdiction.TERM 2 2014 CQUniversity
HRMT11011 – Human Resources in Organisations
2
4. What are the responsibilities, including legal requirements, on a manager to
pursue matters if an employee refuses to discuss an issue?
This assessment item involves research of the academic literature as well as other
relevant references, including relevant legislation. Avoid using only textbooks, but the
prescribed textbook for the course must be cited in regard to broad requirements
highlighted by the case. You are expected to present information and evidence from,
and cite at LEAST SIX (6) relevant peer reviewed journal articles, the textbook,
plus key legislation (six relevant and well applied peer reviewed academic
journals, plus the textbook and key legislation will gain a pass mark for this
criterion 8/15). Your marker is interested in the analysis that you have developed
from YOUR review of the literature and how well you use the literature to respond to
the topic.