Summary:

Panther Engineering Consulting (PEC) was an employee-owned engineering firm specializing in construction planning, including emerging augmented and virtual reality technologies. Trevor Preston was an intermediate professional engineer who had become frustrated with the progression of his career at PEC and expected a promotion to Senior Project Manager. However, Principal Suhayl Sumar, who had progressed from Project Coordinator to Principal through years of dedication and long hours, believed Preston had not yet shown the accountability, initiative and business acumen required for the role. Sumar must determine how to retain this high-potential employee while balancing the generational differences in workplace expectations and organizational success. Students are asked to analyze the issues at PEC by applying organizational behaviour theories. They will develop decision criteria and evaluate potential solutions to improve employee retention and organizational effectiveness. This organizational behaviour case is intended for an introductory undergraduate business class.