Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Westchester Industries: Medical Therapy ...

Newton, Derek A.

Case

Westchester Industries: Medical Therapy Division

Newton, Derek A.

M-0416 | Published October 13, 1993 | 13 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

Product Details

This case deals with the termination of a sales representative, Dick Hobart, who claims that he was unfairly terminated and sues both the company and the man that fired him. The case raises issues related to the criteria for discharge, probationary practices, termination policies, discharge techniques, and the legal implications of firing someone. Students should take away from a good discussion of this case an improved understanding of good termination procedures and of the techniques and timing involved in such action. Although the case is a classic example of how not to do it, the situation is sufficiently ambiguous to provoke a rich discussion of the key issues involved in terminating an unsatisfactory employee.