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Tom’s Of Maine Case Study

Good Essays

1. How should management accommodate a variety of conflicting spiritual perspectives in the workplace? An employer is required by law to reasonably accommodate a religious request unless the request presents undue hardship on the business. The trick is to make sure that the organization allows for each religious request on an equal basis.
A good example of working to avoid the tensions and conflicts that might arise by mixing religion and work is the Ford Interfaith Network (FIN) which operates within Ford Motor Company. The Interfaith Network has a representative from each religion on the network’s executive committee. Questions about another member’s faith is asked and answered through formal channels developed by the Interfaith …show more content…

177)

4. What risks might an organizational encounter when encouraging the expression of spiritual values in the workplace? What are its advantages?
Tom’s of Maine might have risks involving the lack of understanding between employees and the company’s vision. However to avoid the Chappell’s believe that “there is a difference between requiring a workforce to embrace one’s religious beliefs and empowering all employees through a spiritual framework.” (p. 179)
One advantage would be the Chappell’s setting the example. They are committed to donating 10% of the company’s pre-tax profits to nonprofit organizations. By giving back to their community (county, state, nation and world) they are a shining example of what they would like their employees to do. They also encourage their employees to do this by providing a “generous benefit package, including four weeks of parental leave for both mothers and fathers, as well as offers flexible work schedules, job sharing, and work-at-home programs. Child-care and elder-care referral service is provided, and child care is partially reimbursed for employees earning less than $32,500 annually.” (p. 178)

References
Canas, K., & Harris , S. (2014). Opportunities and challenges of workplace diversity : theory, cases and exercises. (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ : Pearson Education,

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