Dismissing an Employee

Key Terms

Blacklisting. Preventing a former employee from finding another job by making critical or defamatory statements about him or her to potential employers who call for a reference.

Demotion. Moving a problem performer to a role that requires fewer skills and that pays less, to create a better match between the person and the job.

Discrimination. Dismissing an employee on the basis of his or her race, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, reproductive status (whether an employee is pregnant or plans to become pregnant), physical or mental disability, ethnic background, and other distinguishing characteristics that fall under the protection of federal or state law or company policy.

Dismissal. The termination of an individual’s ...