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"Old Smoke" Case 8.4
Michael A. Kidd
Professor Jane Bolduc Osburn
Business Ethics – BUS 309
February 20, 2012

Explain how you would handle this situation if you were Charles Renfold. When we look at this scenario, I can only imagine how many times this same situation happens in workplaces all over the world. For Charles Renfold, handling the situation will require tact, understanding, and patients. Now, if I were in Charles’s position, I would begin by sympathetically acknowledging Darlene’s concerns and grievances, giving complete understanding and validation to her ill and nauseating feeling from the bad odor of old cigarette smoke. Letting her also know that I understand completely when working in an uncomfortable environment, especially those with offensive sights, sounds, and smells, it can be quite a hindrance to complete tasks and assignments in a timely manner and with proficiency. As her supervisor, I would look into trying to provide an alternative work space then that of the environment with the bad smell, and even though Frank and Alice have been trying to air out the room, I would also explore the possibilities of providing better ventilation in the small confined areas. Reminding Darlene that yes the company is aware of the states law about providing a ‘smoke-free’ work area for those non-smokers who desire it, I would ask Darlene to try and understand the difficulty one who smokes has in stopping, considering that many seemingly feel like they’re being forced to stop, and how coping with this ‘cold turkey’ mindset can be somewhat demoralizing. I would express to Darlene that as the supervisor I must be sympathetic to all the employee feelings and individual characteristics, good and not so good. While being a former smoker I know first hand how quitting can be both a mental and physical challenge. So I would encourage Darlene to keep her focus on the urgent assignment that needs to be completed and reassure her that I will make the necessary changes that she has requested. This should allow for her emotions to be defused somewhat and put her into a better frame of mind about the situation. So together we can all address this situation logically and in an ethical way for all employees.

Describe the policy on smoking that you would recommend to Redwood Associates. As someone who is a stickler for following rules, I would approach this with a more legalistic manner. These policies would be straight forward, but have an ethical foundation. My approach in developing policies and recommendations for Redwood Associates would be as follows. First, establish designated ‘smoke-free’ areas. Second, establish designated ‘smoking’ areas, which are isolated away from the public and ‘smoke-free’ areas. Third, policies for break times will be equal for both ‘smoking’ and ‘non-smoking’ employees. In no way will management show favoritism or preferential treatment to any employee. All state and federal laws dealing with ‘Equal Opportunity Employment’ will be strictly adhered to. All OSHA and EPA regulations dealing with health and workplace safety will strictly be adhered to. All request, complaints and inquiries dealing with these policies will be handled on a case by case base. Being that this topic is extremely sensitive to our society, I would allow for continued adjustments to be made as needed.

Explain how this case would change if what bothers Darlene is not old smoke but the smell of Alice’s perfume or Frank’s body odor.

Explain whether it is fair or reasonable for companies to ban employees from smoking in their cars in the company parking lot.

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