Based on a review of the following:

• Human Resource Management Institute's Code of Ethics
• Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Imagine you are an organizational consultant working for a consulting firm specializing in performance appraisal and management for health care clients. A privately owned, metropolitan family practice group HR manager contacts your firm because he is concerned about a possible lawsuit that may be filed against the organization by an ex-employee.

The HR manager stated that one of their physicians fired a nurse practitioner who had been working for him for two years. The nurse practitioner claimed her dismissal represented a civil rights violation and discrimination against her because of her age, race, religious practices, and gender. She is a 55-year-old, Muslim, Black woman. During an investigation, the physician provided copies of the nurse practitioner's performance evaluations to justify the discharge claim based on her performance, not her age, race, religion, or gender. The doctor stated that the nurse practitioner was impolite to patients and staff and was not punctual. The nurse practitioner claimed she had to leave early every day because of the prayer responsibilities of her religion. She stated she didn't receive a copy of any performance evaluations. The physician said he gave her multiple warnings, which she states she did not receive. The HR manager stated he could find no written warnings in the files.

Needed is a recommendation for the HR manager in response to this situation. Your recommendation includes the following:

• A review of EEOC regulations that apply to this situation
• An explanation of the Human Resource Management Institute's Code of Ethics, and how the HR manager might apply these within her organization
• The ethical issues that could arise when working with a diverse population
• A recommendation for policy development for the HR manager to avoid ethical issues related to managing a diverse workforce