Background
After taking up the position of the City Engineering Commissioner for Granite City, manager Jane Reardon faced a severe problem in the workplace. The issue revolved around the allegations against one of the employees, Simon Knash, who used his position for personal gain, including power abuse and the use of his subordinates in non-business-related affairs. Since the issue was complicated by the press attention and the attorney’s refusal to disclose the formal investigation, Reardon resorted to the internal investigation. Its results have proven Knash’s guilt in using the subordinates and city transport for building his house. Thus, the manager must resolve the situation with the tools at hand.
Press, a criminal investigation, and public attention play a crucial role in the case. Hence, the reputation of the whole organization is at stake, especially after several similar problems in the past. Similarly, Reardon must deal with the threat to her public image as a manager. After all, she promised to solve the issues of corruption while stepping on her position. Finally, the ethical side of the problem could affect the staff as well if left unchecked.
Recommendations
The necessary actions on Reardon’s part, as mentioned, must include the decision towards Knash’s penalty, disciplinary work among personnel, and explanation to the public. Specific steps can be described as the following:
- To choose the appropriate punishment for Knash (the severity depending on his readiness to repent);
- To provide the staff with the details on the matter;
- To enhance the disciplinary component of the everyday work;
- To start research meant for the possibility of further investigations;
- To give a public interview explaining the issue and the directions of solving it;
- To prepare for the criminal investigation’s results by searching for capable lawyers.