Question.3454 -   This Discussion Board requires you to review the following Scenario and write a 3-4 paragraph response that makes a clear and thoughtful recommendation to the Director of Human Resources on how to address the issue(s) raised.  This is an exercise in how to elevate your thinking from employee-type thinking to thinking like an executive or upper-level manager.  Such thinking involves not only knowing what the law is (in this case, basic contract and criminal law), but prudent consideration of corporate goals, loyalties and practical considerations, such as adequacy of training, corporate morale and ultimately, ROI or "return on investment."  What would you recommend after careful consideration of the following scenario?  When doing the Memo response, be mindful that any decision made may be reviewed, in all likelihood, by other corporate executives - and may well reflect on your abilities too! Scenario:  Lord Berkeley Corp. owns and operates approximately twelve department stores (typically anchor stores in malls) throughout the tri-state area.  Approximately six months ago, it hired Heather Smith, a 23-year old college student, to work part-time at the cosmetics counter in one of its larger mall stores.  Heather had been performing well after she trained with her Supervisor for the first two days of her employment and she often met or exceeded the weekly and monthly sales goals, earning her and her supervisors sales bonuses on a few occasions.  In an effort to increase her sales reach, Heather left the store one Friday with six samples of cosmetic product that she intended to bring to a few of her elderly relatives that weekend.  Heather was optimistic that her relatives would purchase product from her once they saw the samples.   Heather's hunch was correct!  One of her aunt's liked the sample and purchased a large bottle of skin creme as a result of Heather's efforts. You are Heather's immediate Supervisor and have been notified by Security that Heather has been caught on video putting six cosmetic samples into her purse and leaving her work area with them.  As a front-line Supervisor, you are aware of the company policy that permits the use of samples to in-store customers only and prohibits all sales personnel from removing such samples from the store.   In addition, the company's Code of Ethics prohibits theft of merchandise a You like Heather as an employee but must now deal with this situation despite your ambivalence regarding this matter.  Should Heather be disciplined, terminated or charged with criminal conduct and referred to the local Prosecutor?  Write a Memo that outlines and thoughtfully evaluates the facts and potential courses of action that you might take, along with your recommendation to the HR Director and a reasoned explanation of why you think your recommendation is the best course of action.  Be sure to identify relevant considerations, including need for any further inquiry or investigation, need to re-evaluate any pertinent company policies, affects on supervisors/employee morale, etc. and to identify and critically think about alternative approaches, the relevant ends and factors involved and the overall Mission of Lord Berkeley Corp. contained in its Mission Statement:    "Lord Berkeley Corp. is committed to building a family of the world's best fashion brands offering captivating customer experiences that drive long-term loyalty and deliver sustained growth for our shareholders."nd criminal activity that is in any way related to the performance of one's job.  Heather was told of the company policies during her initial training.

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