Case Study Human Resource
*: This case has been adapted from another source and is for educational purposes only. Please do not distiibute without permission.
Case Introduction
The diversity of the domestic and global workforce is increasing due to the growing number of
immigrants and the expansion of global operations. The management of religious differences and the
interface of varying religious beliefs and management practices are profound concerns for many
organizations and h uman resource professionals. Religious communities may be quite different in
beliefs and practices, and this can influence employee interaction with formal and informal work
practices and social norms. Additionally, response to religious differences can sometimes be
intertwined with racial biases and attitude predispositions. This case will depict
a particular organizational situation involving an employee's religious beliefs and the resulting
allegations of racial harassment and religious discrimination. (Note: The people and facts in this case are
fictitious and do not represent any known party, organization, religion or situation.)
Organizational Profile
Treton Communications, Inc. is a public giant in the telecommunications industry. Headquartered in
Eastern Michigan, Treton offers a range of wireless and wireline communications services to
consumers, businesses and government users. In addition to its headquarters campus, Treton has call
centers and regional operations throughout the United States. The company's gross revenue was $20
billion in 2007, with 30,000 employees worldwide. Two years ago, Treton expanded its operations with
the opening of its Midwest facility and plans to add two more facilities in Southern and Northwestern
locations in the United States. These new facilities offer many Treton employees exciting opportunities
for advancement.
The Midwest facility is located in Chenworth, Kansas. It currently employs 360 workers, with plans to
reach a full workforce complement of 800 employees within three years. Chenworth's demographics
indicate a population that is predominantly white, with 7 percent racial/ethnic minorities. T he
demographics of t he 360 employees of t he Midwest facility similarly reflect a 5 percent racial/ etlmic
minority representation.
1
Additional Information
Page Limits: The total number of pages for the assignment is five-pages, double-spaced, in Times New
Roman, 12pts with normal margins! Please stick to this page limit. This does not include any appendixes or
charts you want to attach.
General Advice: In analyzing any case, please do not waste the page limit by re-narrating the case. I am
looking forward to what you would do and how you would do. You should integrate the materials discussed in
the text, your own understanding of the material, and your application of the material to the specific case in
question. The answer to the "Why" is more important than merely stating the "What." Originality, creative
thinking, and problem solving are the ones I attempt to grade.
Writing Style: Since this is a graduate-level class, I want to see you write your answers in a report fonn and
not in a question and answer form. As a stand-alone report, it should start with an introduction and ends with a
conclusion. Try to answer the four questions in order. In answering each question, analyze what is at issue,
suggest your solutions, and state your reasons.
9