This case is based on actual events using primary source research. Changes have been made to anonymize the organizations and individuals to protect privacy and confidential information of those involved. One of the authors was a protagonist in the case and the case is based on the author’s experience with the events. Primary source information was used in developing this case.
An experienced senior manager recently assigned to his first executive position in a newly acquired corporate security company must address an emerging personnel problem relating to incentive compensation. Employees retained after the acquisition expressed concern over a legacy bonus process that the new corporate management must rectify to maintain motivation, trust and confidence among employees. A supervisor allocated bonuses in a way that resulted in the workforce expressing frustration at perceived unfairness. The executive team had to immediately address the concerns of the employees and within a matter of days propose a solution to the bonus distribution problem. The case was set in the company’s South Carolina headquarters. This case examines issues related to human resource planning and merit pay.
This case study is suitable for:
human resource management: undergraduate upper division or graduate; and
organizational behavior: undergraduate upper division.
