Records, Termination, and Succession

One of the major responsibilities of HR is to, of course, manage human capital. This continues after employee hiring and continues through termination and succession. Having effective policies in place that define these, and other functions in between is critical to an organization's commitment to ethical, legal, fair, and efficient operating practices. In this assignment, you are asked to share best practices or policies on these topics during a series of brown bag sessions (these are informal lunchtime presentations).

Scenario
Imagine that HR leadership is busy integrating the HR teams from both hospitals and they want to make sure department members are operating in concert with one another on a range of topics. Over the next several weeks, leadership plans to have you conduct three brown bag sessions (informal lunch-time presentations) that examine the topics of record keeping, ethics and law, and succession planning. They have asked you to write an executive summary of the content planned for each session in advance.

Session Descriptions:
Session 1: Maintaining Accurate Employee Records—In this session, you identify, and elaborate upon, four reasons for maintaining accurate and objective employee records.
Session 2: Ethical and Legal Termination—In this session, you examine the legal and ethical aspects of selecting and terminating an employee out of a group of people with similar performance, behaviors, and jobs as a part of a broad-ranging cost-saving initiative. Employee differences:
One has a disability.
One is paid significantly more than the others.
One is 60 years of age and older than the others.
One is planning on soon taking an extended family leave
Session 3: Succession Planning—In this session, you recommend a process to identify and groom an internal candidate to move into a senior-level leadership position in a health care organization such as CEO, COO, and CFO.
Instructions
Consider the scenario above and imagine that your audience is a group of department managers. Write an executive summary that introduces the topics in an introductory paragraph and then describes the content to be delivered in each of the three sessions in detail. Each session description should be two pages in length (six total pages plus a cover page).

Your work will be measured against the following criteria:

Identify, and elaborate upon, four reasons for maintaining accurate and objective employee records.
Analyze the legal implications or requirements of a termination decision. (Make sure to reference specific statutes or laws that govern this area of employment law.)
Analyze the ethical facets of a termination decision. (Make sure to reference an ethical framework to support your assertions or positions.)
Recommend and justify a process to identify and groom a candidate for a senior-level position.
Additional Requirements
Resources: Use four sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.
SWS: This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

Propose procedures related to maintaining employee records, ensuring legal and ethical standards during employee terminations, and executive succession planning.

Full Answer Section

     
  1. Succession Planning: Accurate records can help identify high-potential employees who may be suitable for leadership roles.
Session 2: Ethical and Legal Termination Terminating an employee, especially in a cost-saving initiative, requires careful consideration of legal and ethical implications. Key factors to consider include:
  • Legal Compliance: Adhere to federal, state, and local employment laws, including discrimination and wrongful termination laws.
  • Performance-Based Terminations: Ensure that terminations are based on legitimate, job-related reasons, such as poor performance or misconduct.
  • Layoffs and Reductions in Force (RIFs): If layoffs are necessary, implement a fair and equitable process, considering factors such as seniority, performance, and critical skills.
  • Ethical Considerations: Treat employees with respect and dignity throughout the termination process. Avoid making discriminatory or retaliatory decisions.
Session 3: Succession Planning A robust succession plan is vital for ensuring organizational continuity and mitigating leadership risks. Key steps in the succession planning process include:
  1. Identify Critical Positions: Determine which positions are essential to the organization's success.
  2. Assess Current Talent: Evaluate the skills, experience, and potential of existing employees.
  3. Identify High-Potential Individuals: Identify employees who have the potential to fill leadership roles.
  4. Develop Succession Plans: Create individualized development plans for high-potential employees.
  5. Implement Mentoring and Coaching Programs: Provide opportunities for high-potential employees to learn from experienced leaders.
  6. Regularly Review and Update the Succession Plan: Monitor the progress of high-potential employees and adjust the plan as needed.
By addressing these critical areas, we can enhance our organization's HR practices and ensure a strong, ethical, and sustainable future.  

Sample Answer

       

Executive Summary

Introduction

This executive summary outlines the content of three brown bag sessions designed to enhance our understanding of critical HR functions: recordkeeping, ethical and legal terminations, and succession planning. These sessions aim to equip department managers with the knowledge and tools to navigate these complex areas effectively.

Session 1: Maintaining Accurate Employee Records

Accurate and objective employee records are essential for various reasons:

  1. Legal Compliance: Accurate records are crucial for complying with federal, state, and local employment laws. They can help protect the organization from potential lawsuits and penalties.
  2. Employee Relations: Well-maintained records can help resolve disputes and grievances promptly and fairly. They can also provide evidence to support disciplinary actions if necessary.
  3. Performance Management: Accurate records can be used to track employee performance, identify training needs, and make informed decisions about promotions and compensation.