Balancing Family and Business Outcomes: The Case of the Controversial Niece

Abstract

Abby Ramos, co-founder of Federal Insurance Company, was approached by her sales manager, Nina, who complained about the work ethic of staff member Dianne Cruz. Dianne was the daughter of Abby’s eldest sister, Cecile. Abby had felt obliged to hire her niece because she was grateful to her sister for having assumed their mother’s role when their mother passed away when the girls were only teenagers. Dianne, however, was not an ideal employee and her poor work ethic was demoralizing the sales team. Abby was unsure how to react to the complaint against Dianne. She recalled an earlier incident when company employees had complained about her own daughter, Cathy, who was originally assigned to the sales department. Together with her husband, Bert, she talked with Cathy, who was unaware that she had been causing employee discontent. After that conversation, Cathy behaved more sensitively toward colleagues. Abby felt that the situation with Dianne might be a little different. She could not decide which approach to take as she did not want to hurt or disappoint her sister should the conversation with Dianne not go well. How could she balance the needs of the family and the business?

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.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

You are not authorized to view Teaching Notes. Please contact your librarian for instructor access or sign in to your existing instructor profile.
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles