Week 9: The Apartment

The main topic of quid pro quo in The Apartment is when C.C. Baxter lends his apartment for a few hours to his bosses, who are having an affair with other women in the company. “Managers should use zero-tolerance harassment policies to take action even for offensive conduct that does not meet the legal standard of a harassing environment. The reason is that even mild forms of harassment that go unchecked can disrupt an operation through decreased morale and productivity and increased employee turnover” (Hayes, David K. Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry, 1st Edition. Pg. 355. Wiley, 02/2008. VitalSource Bookshelf Online). There were also a few instances of sexual harassment, including one of the male workers spanking the elevator operator on the butt with a newspaper. The employees were also victims of favoritism. Many employees were able to move up due to managers liking them, while other employees who had seniority had difficulty moving up. "From a legal perspective, if harassment is established under the quid pro quo version, the employer automatically is liable and will be held accountable for whether or not steps were taken to correct the situation. In contrast, an employer's liability in a hostile work environment case must be established by showing not only that the harassment occurred, but also that the employer did not take appropriate action to stop it." ” (Hayes, David K. Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry, 1st Edition. Pg. 355. Wiley, 02/2008. VitalSource Bookshelf Online). In the end, Mr. Sheldrick got what it was coming to him.  His secretary that he fired, because she threatened his mistress.  So, the secretary called his wife to meet up with her and inform her of her husband's infidelities.  Fraternizing with another employee was very common in this company, and they didn't seem too care about the day to day happenings of the business.

Week 8: 9 to 5 movie

While watching the film 9 to 5 I noticed a lot of unethical behavior by both men and women throughout the movie. There at least over thirty cases of sexual harassment, misuse of the progressive disciplinary program, and inappropriate language used in the office. There were a lot of moments in the movie where one female employee was consistently sexually harassed by her male boss; he was guilty of giving her gifts, touching her inappropriately, and most of all quid pro quo sexual harassment. “From a legal perspective, if harassment is established under the quid pro quo version, the employer automatically is liable and will be held accountable for whether or not steps were taken to correct the situation…an employer's liability in a hostile work environment case must be established by showing not only that the harassment occurred, but also that the employer did not take appropriate action to stop it” (Hayes, David K. Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry, 1st Edition. Pg. 351. Wiley, 02/2008. VitalSource Bookshelf Online). Having this type of work environment for women is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Other issues I noticed was the lack of progressive disciplinary training program or training program at all. For example, when Judy (Jane Fonda) started her first day at work she was not properly trained and given a positive mentor. Another example, an employee was wrongfully fired and was unnecessary escorted from the building by a security guard. “A commonly used four-step progressive disciplinary includes documented oral warning, written warning, suspension, and dismissal” (Hayes, David K. Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry, 1st Edition. Pg. 311. Wiley, 02/2008. VitalSource Bookshelf Online). The odd part is I remember watching this movie over and over growing up and never thought much about all the things wrong with it. With now knowing these things I see it differently but it still continues to be one of my favorite movies.

Week 10: My Plan

The question was just ask to us, “Where do we plan to be in the future?” and it’s funny because I honestly have been thinking about that lately since I am getting closer and closer to graduation. A few years ago I wanted to start my own business of a full service mobile salon and boutique. However, these past few years I have been working deeper in the fashion industry and now feel I know what I want.

Once I graduate, if not sooner I want to try to start my own model agency and manage models. I enjoy working and being around good looking positive people and I know this type of industry is full of that. So as to where I see myself I want to have my main office here in Las Vegas but plan to also have smaller offices in other city such as Austin Tx, Los Angels California, Miami Florida and of course New York City New York.  “College students are always looking for part-time work; many look for an environment that promotes intrapreneurship, working within a company in an entrepreneurial capacity, using their creativity and skills. These skills include: leadership, passion, determination, coaching/conflict management, ability to manage time wisely, dependability, and flexibility” (Granger, Michele M., Tina Sterling. Fashion Entrepreneurship: Retail Business Planning, 2nd Edition. Fairchild Books USA, 2/2011. Pg. 9/191/204. VitalSource Bookshelf Online). For the next few years I will be building and growing my brand to its highest potential with the use of the skills I am learning in college from my talented instructors at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Once I am approaching graduation I will have a popular and stable business to present in front of potential employers..