Please respond to Michelle's post in a friendly way:

Michelle's post below:

• Mary is in her mid-20s, single, and a college graduate. She is very hard-working and was in the top 10 percent of the performance ratings this year. She constantly volunteers to travel and work weekends and evenings. However, she supports political causes that could be viewed as contrary to the goals of the company.
• Alice is in her mid-40s, has two young children, and is married to a doctor. Her performance is good, and she has above-average performance reviews. However, she has limited availability on weekends and limitations on overnight travel due to her volunteer work with local charities.

Respond to the following:

• As a manager, who would you select to lay off and why?
• What is the potential impact of this choice on organizational culture?

As a manager, I would need to approach this decision using objective performance metrics, the needs of the organization, and the potential impact on the team and organizational culture.

I would select Alice for the layoff. Mary's performance is in the top 10 percent, indicating she significantly contributes to the team's success. High performers are crucial, especially in challenging economic times, as they can drive results and help the organization navigate through difficulties. Mary's willingness to work weekends and evenings and travel as needed is a valuable asset, particularly when resources are limited. This flexibility can help cover gaps and ensure the team meets its objectives. The organization needs employees who can go above and beyond during an economic downturn. Mary's work ethic and dedication align well with this need.

By retaining Mary, the organization sends a message that high performance and dedication are valued and rewarded. While Alice's situation is understandable, retaining her might be perceived as the organization not prioritizing performance and flexibility. This could lead to a culture where employees feel that personal constraints are more important than professional contributions, which might not align with the organization's goals during tough times. Although Mary's political views might contradict the company's goals, diversity of thought can be beneficial. It encourages a culture of open dialogue and innovation. The organization should ensure that all employees feel respected and valued, regardless of their personal beliefs, as long as they do not interfere with their professional responsibilities.