Exar Document Specialist is a service firm specialising in document preparation. Their office consists of 14 units with 5 employees to each unit. Each document specialist is equipped with a word processor. The office is located in a building that once housed a shoe manufacturing plant. The company is now on a recruitment drive and part of its advertisement reads: At Exar we care about our Employees.

The Human Resources Manager is however bothered by a recent report which indicates that over the last 15 months four (4) of the sixty (60) word processors have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and none of the employees diagnosed have a history of breast cancer in their family. The HR manager has decided to discuss the matter with the Managing Director (MD), who also has a report on a preliminary study citing a possible link between word processors and higher incidences of breast cancer.

During the discussion, the MD points to the numbers, saying that the numbers are relatively low, and there is no need to create panic. He goes on to say that many persons will be out of a job if the plant is closed. The HR manager agrees with the job loss but argues that the situation requires his immediate attention and the advertisement for new staff should be withdrawn. He responds by saying this is business. The HR manager returns to her office, pondering what her next action should be.

Questions

1. Identify four ethical issues. What can you say for and against the MD's statement - "this is business". (10 marks)

2. If the HR manager decides to expose the situation, how would you advise her? (10 marks)

3. Explain a Training Programme approach you would recommend for the firm.