Abstract 

Learning outcomes

This case study examines the complexities of handling employment redundancy in a changing business environment. It aims to help students understand legal and ethical considerations in workforce decisions while exploring alternatives to redundancy, such as redeployment or job redesign. Students will analyze the impact of employer-employee relationships, the role of trade unions, and labor laws in protecting employee rights. Additionally, the case highlights the strategic HR decisions required to balance business needs with employee welfare.

Case Synopsis

Major Boke and Ms. Awendo, the two co-directors of JH company, a security firm were worried about the decision they needed to make with regards to security guards who were below the required height. When the company started, security guards’ height was never a concern or an issue, as by then, competition was not as stiff and clients who used security services were not particular about security guard’s height. With the changing environment, that includes stiff competition, and change in client’s preferences, JH is wondering how to go about in addressing the issue where some of their guards are below the required height. JH has built a strong employer-employee relationship, hence strong bonds have been created between the employer and employees. The two directors are cognizant of the role that trade unions, and the Employment Act play with regards to the welfare of employees.

Complexity/ Academic level

This case is designed to be used in an undergraduate Human Resource Management (HRM) class to illustrate how organisations can terminate employment through redundancy and what other options are available other than declaring employees redundant. The case has been tested in a 4th year undergraduate HRM class. Additionally, the case can be used to illustrate general HRM. 

Supplementary Materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Keywords

Employment Relationship, Employee Redundancy, Deployment \

Citation

Ndung’u, J., & Mungai, E. (2024). Jeff Hamilton (JH) Company: Should we hold onto our ‘Short’ Guards? In Strathmore Africa Case Center. Strathmore Africa Case Centre. https://doi.org/10.70268/sacc-05-24-15

Publisher: Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Copyright © 2024, Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Category : Case

Author : Joan Ndung’u, Edward Mungai

Publisher : Strathmore University

Document ID : SACC-05-24-15