blossom
JIACS10-05-05
PEACH BLOSSOM EXPRESS:
A RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATE LEARNS ABOUT
"MAGIC MONEY"
Martine Duchatelet, Barry University
Mike Broihahn, Barry University
Charles Rarick, Barry University
CASE DESCRIPTION
The primary subject matter of this case concerns business ethics. Secondary issues examined include diversity and small business management. The case has a difficulty level of three indicating appropriate for junior level students. The case is designed to be taught in one class hour and is expected to require three hours of outside preparation by students.
CASE SYNOPSIS
Mike, a recent college graduate, gets his first 'real' job working for a family friend's small chain of Deli stores. He discovers the dark side of small business. In a one long day, he is humiliated in front of co-workers by racist remarks, underpaid but overworked, and invited to break the law.
Mike graduated from college in December 2002 and he was still looking for a job, any job three months later. He was discouraged; payment on his student loans would start in ninety days and his parents wouldn't continue to support him in the modest apartment he rented outside Atlanta with another student. A close friend of his parents, Sybil, heard of Mike's situation and suggested he work part-time at one of her three deli stores. He would operate the espresso machine as another employee was taking a long leave for travel. She proposed Mike work every week day morning, earn enough to cover rent (the figure of $10.00 per hour was discussed) and still have the afternoons free to look for a "real" job corresponding to his college degree and his ambitions.
Mike agreed to work for Sybil on a temporary basis, as he needed to pay for his rent and other expenses. Although Mike knew Sybil and her husband, Phil, and got along with their children, he felt a bit uneasy working for family or friends as it smacked of a favor done for his parents rather than an accomplishment based on
PEACH BLOSSOM EXPRESS:
A RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATE LEARNS ABOUT
"MAGIC MONEY"
Martine Duchatelet, Barry University
Mike Broihahn, Barry University
Charles Rarick, Barry University
CASE DESCRIPTION
The primary subject matter of this case concerns business ethics. Secondary issues examined include diversity and small business management. The case has a difficulty level of three indicating appropriate for junior level students. The case is designed to be taught in one class hour and is expected to require three hours of outside preparation by students.
CASE SYNOPSIS
Mike, a recent college graduate, gets his first 'real' job working for a family friend's small chain of Deli stores. He discovers the dark side of small business. In a one long day, he is humiliated in front of co-workers by racist remarks, underpaid but overworked, and invited to break the law.
Mike graduated from college in December 2002 and he was still looking for a job, any job three months later. He was discouraged; payment on his student loans would start in ninety days and his parents wouldn't continue to support him in the modest apartment he rented outside Atlanta with another student. A close friend of his parents, Sybil, heard of Mike's situation and suggested he work part-time at one of her three deli stores. He would operate the espresso machine as another employee was taking a long leave for travel. She proposed Mike work every week day morning, earn enough to cover rent (the figure of $10.00 per hour was discussed) and still have the afternoons free to look for a "real" job corresponding to his college degree and his ambitions.
Mike agreed to work for Sybil on a temporary basis, as he needed to pay for his rent and other expenses. Although Mike knew Sybil and her husband, Phil, and got along with their children, he felt a bit uneasy working for family or friends as it smacked of a favor done for his parents rather than an accomplishment based on