Question

We are at the point where we must make a decision on the promotions of Margaret Adams and Beth Taylor, members of our administrative staff. They are both very competent employees, and I am convinced that they are capable of handling even more responsibility.

Margaret’s file indicates that she has history of chemical dependency but has had treatment and has been OK for a year. She is not currently enrolled in any treatment program. She believes that she should very rarely stay late at the office or participate in weekend meetings. She believes that her first duty is to her health and that she should manage her time accordingly.

In Beth’s case, I am not altogether certain that she is willing to subordinate time with her family to time on the job, to the extent that may be required. I have had the opportunity to explore with her the general problem of family vs. job, and she strongly believes that she should very rarely stay late at the office or participate in weekend meetings. She believes that her first duty is to her family and that she should manage her time accordingly. These viewpoints have not affected their performance in the past, but it could be a problem in a more demanding role.

Which option do you choose?

1. Promote Margaret only.

2. Promote Beth only.

3. Promote both Margaret and Beth.

4. Promote neither Margaret nor Beth.

Answer 1

Which option do you choose?

1. Promote Margaret only.

2. Promote Beth only.

3. Promote both Margaret and Beth.

4. Promote neither Margaret nor Beth.

Answer:

Decisions on who receives promotions can have direct impacts on productivity, morale,and quality. Indirect impacts can span all areas of performance. I choose to promote both Margaret Adams and Beth Taylor because I felt that They both have the same qualifications,and should be treated the same.The positive side of Margaret Adams & Beth Taylor is that,they both are very competent employees, and I am convinced that they are capable of handling even more responsibility.The negative side of Margaret Adams is that , she should very rarely stay late at the office or participate in weekend meetings. Her priority is, her health .The negative side of Beth Taylor is-she strongly believes that she should very rarely stay late at the office or participate in weekend meetings. Her first priority is her family.When considering Margaret we were a bit apprehensive at first because of her past chemical dependency. Then we started to look at the fact that she did take responsibility, seek treatment, and has been clean for one year. What finalized our decision was the fact that alcoholism and drug addiction are disabilities and qualified individuals with disabilities are protected by law from discrimination according to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.so,Margaret’s  chemical dependency will not be considered as negative .

so,both of them have 2 negative sides,so they should be treated same .As,They are both very competent employees & are capable of handling even more responsibility & as their viewpoints have not affected their performance in the past,I choose option -3.Promote both Margaret and Beth.