Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which scenario represents the easiest wrongful discharge case for an employee to win?

1. Discipline is used as a form of punishment

2. The organization is shown to be negligent in hiring practices

3. The supervisor enforces rules unfairly

4. The employee was not granted "one last chance"

The correct answer is: The supervisor enforces rules unfairly

In the context of wrongful discharge cases, the scenario where a supervisor enforces rules unfairly would likely represent an easier case for an employee to win. This is primarily because unfair enforcement of workplace rules can illustrate inconsistencies and discrimination in how rules are applied to employees. When rules are applied unevenly, it may suggest that the discharge was not based on a legitimate business reason but rather on bias or favoritism. This can bolster the employee's claim if they can show that other employees were not treated similarly for similar conduct. The unequal application of rules can demonstrate a lack of just cause for termination, which is a crucial element in wrongful discharge cases. The other scenarios involve more complex considerations. For instance, using discipline as a punishment can be justified if the organization has documented performance issues. Negligent hiring practices typically refer to issues with the organization’s hiring process rather than the employee's performance or conduct. Lastly, the concept of not granting "one last chance" often requires context regarding expectations and previous performance, making it less straightforward for a wrongful discharge claim. Therefore, unfair enforcement of rules stands out as a scenario that more readily supports an employee's wrongful discharge claim.