Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Helen Gates

Davidson, Martin N...

Case

Helen Gates

Davidson, Martin N.; Yemen, Gerry

OB-0723 | Published March 28, 2001 | 9 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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Ted Evans is the line manager at a construction materials plant in Richmond, Virginia. Over the years, Evans has had experience dealing with morale, training and development, materials handling, and quality control. Helen Gates, a 27-year company veteran, has come to see Evans with charges of both gender and racial discrimination. She believes she has been denied promotions because of an institutionalized system of discrimination. Gates is the only woman of color on line four of the C shift. She had approached management on several previous occasions with concerns over various easily resolved issues. This case challenges students to look at the issues from both sides of the fence. Gates had once been friendly with one of the individuals that she accuses of being disrespectful. Evans must weigh the issues. The case offers students a chance to view why people behave the way they do and to approach what is happening in relationships and interactions with a clearer understanding.