This week, we will focus on two important concepts – Agency law and the ability to hold an employer liable for an agent’s actions and, the Employment-at-Will Doctrine and the protections afforded to employees from wrongful termination. Both concepts this week are covered in upcoming assignments so be sure to have a good understanding of the law.

SCENARIO: As a small-business owner, you are faced with rising costs, particularly employment costs, insurance, and the like. You decide to hire Leo, your good friend to save on these costs and insurance. Leo works for 6 months dealing with vendors and buying supplies and inventory for the business. One day at lunch, Leo heads to 7-11 for a Slurpee and befriends the owner, Dan. Leo makes a deal with Dan to sell your product, Widget’s spinners, at the 7-11 in exchange for a free Slurpee every day. The store sells out of Widgets spinners the next day and Dan calls to demand you restock because it is bringing in lots of customers.

Discuss the following:

1. Given your understanding of the chapter reading this week, explain agency law and the three types of authority “relationships” that are created in the workplace between employers and employees. In other words, the authority an employee has from the employer to act on behalf of the employer in the workplace.