Case 3

COVID 19 is a global pandemic that is effecting trade, economies, travel, and way of life around the globe. It is a great challenge for global leaders and business leaders as well. Harvard Professor John A. Quelch explained in April of 2020, that leadership in the post-pandemic era might not be the same that we have seen for past the decades. He recommends 7Cs for a leader in the time of this crisis; Calm, Confidence, Communication, Collaboration, Community, Compassion, and Cash.

We have witnessed many events in the past few weeks of the pandemic crisis, recent events such as;

1. CEO of a large group of companies in Bangladesh sending an e-mail to all employees threatening that only those who come to work during the lockdown will be employed from next month, rest will be sacked.

2. E-mail from the CEO of a tech startup giant from Bangladesh requesting salary cut to all employees, including himself up to September only so they can stay afloat, and they do not have to fire anyone from their jobs.

3. E-mail of a Chairman of a local group of companies in Bangladesh who produces motorcycles and scooters assuring all employees will get a salary, bonus, and no one will be laid off from his 'family' during this turbulent time.

4. News of a large number of academic institutes not paying salaries and wages to teachers, staff, workers.

5. News of a few academic institutes who paid salary, wage, bonus although there is a high possibility of uncertainty of business in the coming months.

6. RMG owners paying all wages, bonuses for Eid even though factories are shut down.

7. RMG owners are forcing employees and workers to travel to Dhaka and start working, or face penalty or termination.

All these are actual events from the past few weeks in Bangladesh. The global scenario is not much different. Some of these employers actually had the legal right to terminate employees.

Now, answer Question 3:

Question 3: Given what you know about ethical HR practices at work, which approach to handling the crisis do you support? What would you have done in their place? How do you propose to convince employees that they will be treated in a fair manner in such turbulent times?*

(10 marks, you can use maximum 400 words/ 2500 characters to answer this question)