Question

Case Study of HR management

“The problem, I’m afraid, may just be her age,” Lisa Oliver, the executive housekeeper, said to Ashley Austin, the hotel’s general manager.

“What do you mean?” asked Ashley.

“Well, Paula Cooper has worked as a housekeeper in this hotel for more than 25 years and has always done an excellent job. Recently, she has had trouble cleaning her rooms in the time allowed. Some room attendants are complaining because, after they finish their own rooms, they must help Paula. They think it;s unfair to make them do her job."

“She tries hard,” continued Lisa, : but as you know, room cleaning is tough, physically demanding job. With our chain’s new bedding standards, even lots of the younger room attendants are challenged. In Paula’s case, she knows what to do, but she cannot do it as fast as she used to. The room inspectors find her work acceptable; it’s the quantity that is the problem. She almost never meets the 30-minute-per room standard anymore. I just wonder how long we keep her.”

Answer each question (550 words)

1) What do you believe is the most likely cause of Paula’s substandard work performance?

2) Assume you are the hotel’s general manager. Do you believe your executive housekeeper is evaluating Paula’s work performance any differently than that of other room attendants based on her age? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer 1

The mos likely cause of bad performance of Paula is new bedding standards of company as well as age of Paula. Room cleaning work needs more physical energy. It is admitted by her manager that even younger cleaners find it difficult to clean rooms. Hence, it is expected that with her age, she find it difficult to do her work. On the other side, in my opinion, Age cant be reason of bad performance. It has been observed that many senior workforce in company do more work than thier youngercounter part. It seems that her manager gave her opinion without checking each and every aspects of situation. It could be mental stress, job dissatisfaction, physical illness and so on.