John Jacobs was sales supervisor for the electronics department of Appliances Galore, a chain of large superstores specializing in appliance sales to both retail and commercial customers. The company had a reputation for extensive involvement in community activities. In fact, the company provided financial and other incentives to employees who volunteered their time in not-for-profit and other service activities.

Any George, manager of marketing operations, just confided in Jacobs that he had heard "through the grapevine" that Steve Shepard's wife and two children showed up last night at the local women and children's shelter. George also indicated that Shepard's wife was reported to have been badly bruised and that this was not the first time she and her children had sought refuge.

Shepard was one of Jacobs's outstanding salespersons. Last year Shepard won the company's award for the most sales. George suggested to Jacobs that he should investigate the matter and make a recommendation about what the company should do.

Questions

1. How should Jacobs respond to this report from the grapevine? What should he say right now to George?

2. If this report is true and Shepard's job performance was not affected by his personal life, should the company become involved in any way? Discuss. 

3. What would you recommend that Jacobs do? Consider alternatives.