Organizations from time to time must make hard decisions (expand, lay off employees, or close a facility). As a manager, you will have to use work experiences, advice from supervisors, and the organizational culture to support your decision. Organizational culture is the sum of the values and beliefs shared among employees.

Suppose you are a manager who is faced with having to reduce headcount (lay off one of your two employees) in your unit. Sales within the company have declined due to the downward spiral of the economy, and each department within the organization is faced with making the same decision. Fortunately, you only have to cut one job; others are reducing more.

• 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 a discussion question

If I were a manager choosing which of the two employees between Mary and Alice to lay off, I would choose Alice to lay off. Mostly because even though her performance is amazing, her availability is limited. With Mary, she has made it known she is available on weekends and holidays just in case she is needed. She appears to be more dependable when discussing availability. It is also good for Mary that she has a spouse who has a good job that can assist and this will allow her more time to volunteer and spend with children. The potential impact on the company would be that we would be loosing an employee that is above average. She works hard and proves herself. The company could consider providing her a recommendation if she decides to look elsewhere. 

Decisions like this are difficult, you have two employees who are amazing. Regardless of Mary’s political views, you cannot let that affect the company. It is a discussion to have with her along with HR to let her know that the work place is not a place to discuss politics. This should not effect the company or their reputation.