Tom Mendola
After discussing the Tom Mendola case in class, I still feel the same as I did when I first read it. Of course, Tom is in an unfortunate situation that compromises his ability to work effectively. He is also younger than his coworkers. With these factors in mind I think it was reasonable for the factory to give him the opportunity to work in different departments in the company. His supervisors tried to find a fit for him that would keep him engaged and efficient. After these special considerations I think it is completely fair, if not expected, that the company release him. As I mentioned in a comment on someone else's blog, if he cannot be motivated by the well-being of his family then the company cannot expect to motivate him with anything else. I find it hard to argue on his behalf, and think that the company made the right decision.
Comments
Posted by: Michael Benning
Posted on: December 8, 2006 10:36 PM
I completely agree with you, Libby. Mendola should be motivated to work harder by the fact that his family desperately needs his income. By reading your entry, I realized something. Mendola's defense for his behavior, his family's reliance on his income, is not an excuse for his work style, but a reason why he should not be fired. The two are very different. The company needs to let Mendola go. As I stated in an entry on my blog, giving him an additional month of employment under restrictions while he looks for a new job may be a viable option.