Imagine you are the personnel manager of a large insurance company located in Des Moines, IA. You have a close friend who has been unemployed for over a year and the possibility of a good job for him is low. Continuing unemployment benefits are questionable as the nation is bickering over tax and spending issues. Your friend is a single parent and has 3 small children with no child-support. At one time he was comfortably middle class and is trying to keep from having his home in foreclosure. He has helped you on many occasions and you believe you should help him if you can. In your position you have access to privileged information about a decision to hire a small number of new employees in the marketing department. You know your friend's skills do not match those needed for those positions, but you could have a strong influence on the hiring. You have always taken pride in your loyalty to your company and to your friends. The company president respects your judgment. Hiring someone who fumbles important marketing campaigns could damage your company's reputation and profits. Because of this, helping your friend might also jeopardize your reputation and job. What do you decide to do?
I. Explain the steps you would take in making a decision.
II. What advice would you discern from the following articles? This is the main part of the exam; most points are earned here.