Offensive Motivation Strategies: The Managerial And Legal Implications

Abstract

This case study focuses on corporate culture, ethics, employment law, and motivation theory and is appropriate for use in a variety of management classes, such as organizational behavior, human resource management, or ethics.  It profiles a lawsuit brought against a company by one of its female employees who was subjected to a variety of “camaraderie building” exercises, including being spanked with a competitor’s metal poled yard sign.  The case is based on a true story.  Only the names and locations have been changed.  This case includes actual descriptions of company practices and communications which are offensive and may be disturbing.  However, they have been included so that the reader can appreciate the severity of the “motivational practices” that were being employed.