Higgins Tool Coating Company
1. You own Higgins Tool Coating Company, a high-tech firm
specializing in the coating of cutting tools (e.g., drill bits, cutting blades)
to provide longer life before re-sharpening is needed. You are concerned that
the competition continues to develop new coating methods and new applications
of coating in different industries. You want to create a work environment where
employees offer more new product ideas, and suggest new industries where these
ideas might be applied. What type of compensation plan will you recommend? What
are some of the problems you need to be aware of?
2. Angela Lacy, an African-American employee in your
accounts receivable department, has filed a charge of discrimination, alleging
she was unfairly passed over for promotion and regularly receives smaller pay
increases than do employees who perform less well (she alleges). You have to go
to your boss, the VP of HR, and explain what elements of your HR system can be
used in your legal defense. What things do you hope you did in setting up and
administering your systems to counter this discrimination charge?
