Problem: Sandley Vacuum Sales hires Rhonda Piper and Martina Stuart to be door-to-door salespersons. Ms. Piper has a record of committing physical violence against people who displease her, including four convictions for assault. Ms. Stuart has lead a sensible and very gentle life and is known for her hospitality and homemaking skills by her friends and family. On Ms. Piper's first day of employment with Sandley, she beats up three women who decline to purchase her wares after she has spent over an hour with each giving a demonstration of the vacuums. Three days later, Ms. Stuart becomes frustrated and beats up three other prospective customers who criticize Sandley's products while she is giving a demonstration of their wares. All six victims sue Sandley.
Question: Some employers routinely conduct background checks for potential employees, some do not. What are the pros and cons of such background checks? (Consider both the legal and ethical implications of conducting background checks). What would you do if you were the HR manager for Sandley Vacuum Sales?
Students are encouraged to review again Chapter which focuses on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a major body of statutory law we will refer to often in this course.