This case study presents an intriguing facts, decisions, and circumstances that will ignite the interest of those who value the importance of public personnel practices, public policy, talent management, human capital management, law, ethics, general business management, and organizational behavior. The case is based on actual facts, decisions, and circumstances involving a series of management decision within a large federal organization. The names of all parties have been changed for protection of their privacy and professional identity. Each chapter offers questions to facilitate further discussion and the assignment of group projects.
About the Author: LTC Bea Dukes, USA (Retired) has written several case studies. Volume I is the first study published in this venue. She has a passion for excellence in leadership, management, communication, and service. She has over twenty years of supervisory experience with the Department of Defense. She held four command positions in the United States Army including battalion command. She has managed large, geographically dispersed organizations consisting of both military and civilian personnel responsible for services and support to communities of over 18,000 personnel. In addition to her military success, she attained much recognition during the nearly ten years of experience gained while managing organizations that consisted of only federal civilian personnel. She has experience in leading organizations through change to eliminate redundancy and create greater operational efficiencies. She also led an organization through a 40% downsizing effort that offered many voluntary separation incentives and eventually landed in three iterations of a reduction-in-force required to achieve the targeted personnel strength. She also has extensive experience in procurement and acquisition management, human capital management, supply chain management, government contracting, and workforce development. LTC (Ret) Dukes' exemplary track record includes the exceptional ability to lead and manage in a diverse environment. She has managed organizations of professionals with competing interests and diverse technical and professional skills. She has also successfully worked with diverse individuals and led organizations comprised of individuals of various socioeconomic, political, ethnic, religious, racial and challenged backgrounds. She is a coalition builder, team builder, and a consensus builder, that challenges and motivates others to achieve the common goal. As an adjunct faculty, she has taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in colleges and universities. She is frequently sought for advice stemming from her roles as a board member, consultant, motivational speaker, and workshop leader. She especially enjoys building the foundations necessary for a good work-life balance that contribute directly to increased productivity within the workplace.