You are the manager of a department/team for your company (you may select a Project Management firm, Construction Company, IT Management company, or Facilities Management firm for context).

Yesterday two of your employees were involved in an altercation over the music played in your work area. The altercation stemmed from playing hip hop music and the volume of the music. Since you were not present at the incident, you have gathered statements from those who were present. Based on those statements, you believe that the altercation was not racist and did not involve any physical threats or contact. Both participants exchanged harsh words, and no one can say with certainty, who started the incident.

Your assignment is twofold. First, write a letter of reprimand for the participants which, outlines whatever punishment or corrective measures you see fit. There would be identical letters for each participant, but you only need to write one letter for purposes of the assignment.

Second, write a policy memo about playing music in the workplace that will be distributed to all members of the department/team. You should be specific about what if any music can be played, acceptable volume, and how music is to be selected. Explain to your staff why you selected the specific provisions of your policy to avoid a backlash against the company and/or the two people involved in the recent incident.