Case Study Review
Describe the key ethical issues with the case
Identify different perspectives on the topic
Present a clear argument for their leadership approach and decision-making process
Outline implications for this approach and decision
Case 8.6
A Padded Resume
One of the most prestigious appointments in U.S. college sports is the position of coach of the Notre Dame Football Team. Five days af- ter being named to that position, George O’Leary’s tenure ended with his resignation. He admitted having lied on his resume where he claimed he had earned three letters as a college football player and had a master’s degree in Education from NYU. “In fact he never played a down for New Hampshire and he took only a few courses in NYU” (Author, 2001, p.32).
At the press conference when he announced his resignation, O’Leary defended his action by calling the misrepresentation “a youthful in discretion” (ibid.). In his younger years, he had “padded” his resume to enhance his chance of being hired to coaching posi- tions. He admitted that these misrepresentations had never been stricken from his resume.
When personnel problems or difficulties arise at such senior lev- els, often the employee is given the option of resigning instead of be- ing fired. From the reports reviewed we do not know if that is what happened in this case.
