Problem
• Describe the employment-at-will doctrine. - This is a common-law doctrine stating that employers have the right to hire, fire, demote, or promote whomever they choose, unless there is a law or a contract to the contrary.
• List four major laws enacted since 1960 that directly impact the Human Resources function. Briefly describe each.
o Family and Medical Leave Act - Allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave for their serious health conditions or the birth or adoption of a child. Injured employees may ask to use that leave time in addition to the leave time allowed under worker' comp, even if it is unpaid.
o Americans with Disabilities Act - Prohibits discrimination based on disability
o Occupational Safety and Health Act - passed "to assure so far as possible every working man woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and preserve our human resources."
o Equal Pay Act of 1963 - Tries to depress sex discrimination as related to pay and commerce in the workplace.
• Explain how a firm's human resources influence organizational performance.
• Describe how firms can use HR initiatives to cope with workplaces changes and trends such as a more diverse workforce, the global economy, downsizing, and new legislation.
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.