Assignment task: Martha has been an employee at ABC Global for a total of 8 years. She has consistently been recognized for her solid work and creativity and has been twice promoted. Most recently, Martha received the Impact Award which is the highest recognition that the company bestows and also comes with a $2000 bonus. As a high-ranking American-born female of Nigerian descent, she has been an example to many in the organization in how hard-work & honesty can be rewarded.
Over the last several years, Martha's faith has become more important to her. As such, she silently reads the Bible only on her breaks and at lunch. A week ago, an employee named Marlene complained that she was "offended" because she saw Martha reading her Bible. Marlene has been with the company 10 years and has also been recognized for good performance. A factor that could be considered is that last year, Marlene, Martha and a third employee competed for a promotion of which Martha received. In addition, Marlene previously expressed a concern about a co-worker wearing a Sikh turban.
The owners of ABC Global are strongly opposed to any religious persecution and have taken a stance of accommodating all faith-based views whether they be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu etc. As a result, an informal survey of the organization has shown several employees reading the Torah, the Bible and other books.
Focusing strictly on the legality and ethical issue, as an ABC Global leader, how would you address the situation with Marlene?