Reference Request Case Study

Words: 498
Pages: 2

This week our class was challenged with reading a human resource case to solidify the topics that we have learned as a class. The Case of the Reference Request, is a very interesting case that should prompt an individual to think critically about ethics in the workplace. This case is an example of an ethical problem because a former employee would like you to give them a positive reference about their job performance but the associate is not deserving of a positive reference. In a nutshell, the truth of the matter is the associate was fired because of a combination of absenteeism, excessive tardiness, and poor quality work which all resulted from her drinking problem. Now the associate would like you to give her a positive reference because she needs a job to support her family. This is a difficult situation for a few reasons. First, you actually like this person when they are sober. Secondly, you would not recommend her for her old job so recommending her elsewhere is a stretch. …show more content…
Additionally, if an employer called me for a reference I would give basic information about the associate: dates of employment, job title, and salary. Although, I understand that I can disclose that the employee was fired. I would not provide that information to protect the associate and my company. If the potential employee was a friend, I still would not divulge certain information for the same reasons previously stated. If the situation was theft, I would partner with the legal department prior to participating in any reference calls. If the employee would have asked me prior to suppling my name to the prospective employer. I would have respectfully declined the request to participate in the reference