Knowing When to Fire
After the discussion about the Tom Mendola case took place, I was left wondering when it is appropriate to fire a worker who has repeatedly displayed problems if there are still ways in which the employee could possibly be helped to improve. I believe that the debate is a question of balancing an ethical decision with a monetary decision. In terms of efficiency, firing an inadequate employee and hiring a more qualified worker is the best choice. In terms of ethics, it could be seen as unfair to fire someone who still has the potential to improve their ability to a point at which they could perform their job sufficiently. In my opinion, the best way to handle a situation like this is to determine a point at which it is clear that enough help has been given to the employee without seeing improvement as a result. At that time the employee could be fired in good conscience from an ethical standpoint.
Comments
Posted by: Jeewon Choi
Posted on: December 9, 2006 03:17 AM
I strongly agree with you. It is very hard to decide when to fire someone. I also think that we should fire someone only when it is clear that enough help was given.
Posted by: Jennifer Prizanr
Posted on: December 11, 2006 12:43 PM
While I think you make a good point, I am not so sure that it would work in the current business environment. Because so much focus is placed on the bottom line, I think the company is likely decide that an employee has cost the company too much money before some would consider it ethically fair to fire someone. Also, potential to improve does not necessarily equal improvement, and an employee who is not happy about being fired could use it to retain a job he/she really should not be holding. However, if the business world could reach the point where this type of practice could actually work, I would certainly welcome it.