Case of the disputed dismissal

Managers in the United States, acting in anger, indignation, frustration, or even error, fire many capable employees every year. In some of these cases, the managers act unfairly. Perplexing questions arise when the story of an unjustified discharge catches the public's eye. Does an organization have an obligation to manage equitably as well as efficiently? It is conceivable that every man and woman has a right to a job, and, if so, is this right a factor that managers must weigh in deciding to lay off an employee who doesn't "fit in"? The employee in this case "Adrian Reese," is an outspoken health official who irritates the city manager and members of the "Marshall City" board of health. Like most HBR cases, this is based on a real situation. As the problem unfolds, readers may find the circumstances and the characters familiar. And yet they may be surprised at the outcome, as truth is stranger than fiction.