Mini-Game

Termination

Objective

To provide a simulated experience in evaluating the causes for and potential dangers in termination.

Problem

Supervisor Joe has made up his mind that he wants to give Mrs. Q the required two-week termination notice. He bases his case on the following: (1) Her productivity dropped about six weeks ago and has never come back up to previous levels. (2) She has been absent twice during this six-week period and late several times. (3) She has, despite suggestions from Supervisor Joe, consistently overextended her coffee breaks. (4) Mrs. R has threatened to quit if Mrs. Q is not transferred out of the department. (5) At 3:30 yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Q walked off the job crying. (6) Under a staff reduction policy, should Mrs. Q be terminated her position might be eliminated.

Mr. Big claims that Supervisor Joe does not have sufficient cause for termination. (1) He has not formally “written up” Mrs. Q twice previously about violations, as required by company policy. (2) Supervisor Joe has not had a heart-to-heart talk with Mrs. Q for two weeks. (3) Although walking off the job is technically a cause for dismissal, Mr. Big feels the case has not been fully investigated. (4) He fears that Mrs. Q might appeal her case to the Civil Rights Commission. (5) If the case is not investigated, Mrs. Q could draw unemployment insurance by contesting the termination procedure, which would cost the company money and deplete the reserve fund at the state headquarters.

Players

All four management roles.

Procedure

Mr. Big and Supervisor Joe argue the case before Mr. X and Ms. Y, who comprise a two-person jury. After each has presented his case, Mr. X and Ms. Y retire from the room to make their decision. While they are out, those left in the class discuss the situation and vote independently for Mr. Big or Supervisor Joe. You win the game if you agree with the jury.

Postgame Discussion

Discussion should center on causes for termination and why business organizations must protect themselves against unfair practices in this area.