Communication, Documentation and HRM: The Case of the Non-Compliant Kitchen Employee

Abstract

The Rutherford Beach Inn is one of ten small hotels in a chain owned by the Rutherford family. Prior to the economic downturn, there were 15 hotels in the chain, but the Rutherfords were forced to make some difficult choices in order to keep their organization afloat. In addition to selling five properties, the Rutherfords disbanded the corporate HR office and disseminated the HR duties to each individual hotel. Furthermore, it was decided that these HR duties would be the responsibility of each departmental manager within each property. This case study highlights three areas of HRM in the hospitality industry. The effects of economic downturn, high middle management turnover, poor documentation practices, difficult employees, at-will employment, and hard vs. soft HR practices will generate in-depth discussions about how to better handle these common workplace issues.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

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