Question

Scott was an employee of ABC Co. He was fired for poor job performance and being absent too often. After he was fired, Scott told his former supervisor, Frank, that he drank alcohol excessively. Even though Scott was no longer employed by ABC, Frank helped Scott continue receiving company insurance benefits to obtain treatment for alcoholism. Three months later, Frank asked to be rehired, and showed a certificate from his doctor that he had completed treatment. Questions: Should Scott be rehired? Why was he terminated? Did the treatment fix that problem? Did Frank act ethically for ABC Co.? Would it be fair to other employees to rehire Scott?

Answer 1

1. Scott need not be rehired.

2. The reason for Scott's termination was poor performance and absentism.

3. The treatment may have corrected scott's problem of alcoholism but it may not help improve his performance since his capability to perform the job has not changed. His sincerity and self displine has also not changed and hence his absentism from work may continue.

4. As an employee of the company it is Frank's duty to ensure that its resources are righfully used. Frank did not act ethically by extending company's insurance benefits to a person who has ceased to be an employee and hence caused financial loss to the company.

5. Sincere employees who perform well and exhibit complete committment in their work may feel let down if an ex employee fired for non performance and absentism is rehired.