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Case Study : Kathryn Mcneil

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Introduction The case of Kathryn Mc Neil deals with the issue of separation in the workplace regarding the nonperformance of a single mother whose work was suffering because of the tremendous additional burden of raising a child. The case was written in 1994 but in the intervening years significant decisions have been made by the law (in the US) protecting the rights of the single mother. The debate is no longer exclusively about professionalism versus corporate responsibility but the new phenomenon of a third gender in the workplace. History The primary figure in the case is Charles Foley, VP of a computer retailing firm Sayer Micro World and the case is to be analyzed through his perspective. Foley, together with his Director …show more content…

Problem McNeil was not able to perform to expectations due to her family obligations and had to face constant pressure from Walter who together with the rest of the team were proven to be working longer and with better results than McNeil. But due to a lack of awareness, flexibility and certain tolerance measures within the company she was subjected to discrimination and the threat of termination. This treatment originates from the following: (a) The company neglected to acknowledge McNeil's apprehensions at the time of her hiring. (b) The assumption of staying longer in the office reflecting the performance of a person. (c) Interference in McNeil's day to day performance by the use or abuse of power. (d) Tarnishing the image of McNeil's without her defence. Ethics In a precedent-setting decision in 2000, the state Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts upheld a superior court ruling in Carmichael Vs. Wynn & Wynn noting in the text that "discriminatory animus was a factor in the decision not to hire a pregnant woman." This has started a series of litigations by the "third gender" who has, till date, been denied her capacity to chose and function both as pillars of the family and working professionals. The organization has to recognize the role of working mothers in the larger interest of society and make the minimum

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