Case Analysis
Overview
Bill Thompson, a general manager at GenCorp is faced with a tolerance and diversity dilemma in relation to a possible formation of a religious network group affiliated with his company. In the newly acquired New Orleans, Louisiana, GenCorp plant workers are forming a Christian network group organized by plant manager, Russell Kramer. Two years ago, Russell Kramer spread insensitive, anti-gay literature two about how homosexuality lifestyle is an abomination. The gay employees at the time were angry and frustrated.
For background, this religious network group is not the first network group for GenCrop. GenCorp’s creation of a self-organized social support, network groups for minority employees allowed several employees to attend meetings at night to discuss work and enhance their careers through mentorship and peer support. The network helped GenCorp to retain top talent and meet its EEO goals and favorable public feedback. Few restrictions were put on the network groups including requiring meetings to be afterhours and open to all employees. Each group is allowed to use company machines, email, and conference rooms.
The basic issue surrounding this dilemma is for GenCorp to decide whether to allow the religious network group to be formed, or to stop its formation and deal with the results and how they affect the company’s existing network groups, namely the minority network group. The immediate issues identified below will help GenCorp reach a decision that is in the best interest of the company.
Identifying and Defining the Issues and the Case Data Analysis
Issue #1: Identify whether the religious networking group has a harmful or hurtful agenda and what it is trying to accomplish. When Bill Thompson reached out to Russell Kramer, the lead organizer, Russell expressed that homosexuality was not in any way the focus of the group. The agenda of the group is to share in each other’s spiritual lives and learn from one another. With the agenda clear,
Bill Thompson, a general manager at GenCorp is faced with a tolerance and diversity dilemma in relation to a possible formation of a religious network group affiliated with his company. In the newly acquired New Orleans, Louisiana, GenCorp plant workers are forming a Christian network group organized by plant manager, Russell Kramer. Two years ago, Russell Kramer spread insensitive, anti-gay literature two about how homosexuality lifestyle is an abomination. The gay employees at the time were angry and frustrated.
For background, this religious network group is not the first network group for GenCrop. GenCorp’s creation of a self-organized social support, network groups for minority employees allowed several employees to attend meetings at night to discuss work and enhance their careers through mentorship and peer support. The network helped GenCorp to retain top talent and meet its EEO goals and favorable public feedback. Few restrictions were put on the network groups including requiring meetings to be afterhours and open to all employees. Each group is allowed to use company machines, email, and conference rooms.
The basic issue surrounding this dilemma is for GenCorp to decide whether to allow the religious network group to be formed, or to stop its formation and deal with the results and how they affect the company’s existing network groups, namely the minority network group. The immediate issues identified below will help GenCorp reach a decision that is in the best interest of the company.
Identifying and Defining the Issues and the Case Data Analysis
Issue #1: Identify whether the religious networking group has a harmful or hurtful agenda and what it is trying to accomplish. When Bill Thompson reached out to Russell Kramer, the lead organizer, Russell expressed that homosexuality was not in any way the focus of the group. The agenda of the group is to share in each other’s spiritual lives and learn from one another. With the agenda clear,