Business Case Studies & Business Publications

The Meatpacking Factory

Wicks, Andrew C., ...

Case

The Meatpacking Factory

Wicks, Andrew C.; Mead, Jenny; Stewart, Nicholas

E-0369 | Published January 17, 2012 | 2 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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The manager of a meatpacking factory allows his 100-plus Muslim workers to take breaks believing that it is an appropriate response to the religious needs of this large part of his employee base. But the breaks have begun to interfere with the overall operation of the plant, resulting in a loss of productivity. Other employees have become irritated resenting what they see as preferential treatment. Because of the productivity issues, other employees' complaints, and concerns about the credibility of his management, the manager considers reneging on his agreement.

Decide how a manager accommodates the religious needs of a large number of employees Consider management's role in facilitating or allowing any vestiges of spirituality/religion in the workplace Examine the boundaries around what is allowable and not allowable in expressions of spirituality/religion