Introduction

Business Communicators 2.0 is a consulting company, working with various industries, such as research and development, healthcare, real estate, city, government, and office equipment. Business Communicators 2.0 employs five Consultants and a Project Manager; along with a President, Finance Manager, and Human Resources Director. Recently, the Management Team, which consists of the President, Finance Manager, Human Resources Director, and the Project Manager, decided that it was time to hire a Marketing Director to assist Business Communicators 2.0 market their services nationally to build a larger, more diverse clientele. The Human Resources Department advertised for the vacant position in the local newspaper, on-line, and with the Marketing Association; within a week they received many resumes. After careful consideration, Business Communicators 2.0 interviewed two very good candidates. The job offer was made to Merry Holly Christianson. Merry has a master’s degree in marketing, over 10 years experience with a marketing firm, and her references were positive, except from one reference. The somewhat negative reference came from Mr. John B. Franklin, Senior Vice President of Marketing Is Our Business. The reference stated that Ms. Christianson had an absenteeism issue; however, Mr. Franklin felt it was a personal problem stemming from her past. Merry began working at Business Communicators 2.0 and soon became challenged regarding her absences. Since there are political implications with the Marketing Board, Business Communicators 2.0 and their clients, and the community, the delivery of any negative outcome regarding Merry’s employment issues could be devastating to Business Communicators 2.0.

Merry’s first day with Business Communicators 2.0 was on October 6, 2008. She was introduced to all employees at a staff meeting, the Board of Trustees, and many clients of Business Communicators 2.0. Articles in the local newspapers were placed welcoming Merry to the business. Furthermore, Merry began developing her own Marketing Board, comprised of members from the county. In Merry’s third week of employment, she called the President, Paula, to say she would not be reporting to work, as her son had a doctor’s appointment. The next day, Merry called again to report that her son was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, and she would not be reporting to work the rest of the week. Paula excused her absences, as she felt it was important that Merry be with her son during his illness.

Merry returned to work the fourth week of her employment, apologizing for her absenteeism. The Management Team supported Merry and understood. Merry began pulling together a marketing plan for Business Communicators 2.0, as they were on a new journey and this was a pivotal time period of growth for them; time was of the essence. Merry received approval from the Management Team for approval of a draft of the Marketing Plan. She planned a meeting with the Marketing Board for final approval of the Marketing Plan. Once approval was received, Merry would begin marketing Business Communicators 2.0. Merry conducted her first meeting with the Marketing Board on November 5, 2008. The very next day, Merry called Paula, reporting that she felt ill. As it turns out, Merry had an upper respiratory virus. Merry missed two more days of work. Business Communicators 2.0 continued business as usual. A week later, the Management Team was having their regular Tuesday morning meeting. Merry was an active participant in the meeting, making significant contributions. On Wednesday, Merry called Paula, again stating she was ill and would not be in to work. On November 20, 2008, Merry’s sister, Angie, called Paula stating Merry was in the Hospital and would not be working the rest of the week. On November 24, 2008, the Human Resources Director received an excuse from Merry’s physician stating that she would be absent until December 1, 2008. On December 1, 2008, the Human Resources Director received another excuse from Merry’s physician stating that she would be absent until December 12, 2008.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Business Communicators 2.0 tried to work with Merry’s absences. Merry’s total potential working days was 38 and she was absent for 22 of those days, and received two days off for the Thanksgiving holiday. It was an important time in the life of Business Communicators 2.0, as they wish to grow their business. The marketing function would suffer a set back with continued absences from Merry. Business Communicators 2.0 had no other option than to terminate Merry. Since Merry was not able to report to work, a letter of termination was sent to her. The letter began with the reason why a letter was being sent to Merry. The next paragraph discussed the important functions of the position and how crucial the deadlines are for Business Communicators 2.0. Additionally, the letter went into detail of the days Merry was absent. Lastly, the letter stated that Merry’s employment relationship with Business Communicators 2.0 would cease immediately. Business Communicators 2.0 was now faced with the challenge of communicating the dismissal to Business Communicators 2.0 staff, their clients, and the community. If the message is not communicated effectively, it could damage Business Communicators 2.0’s business for future clients.