KeyBank: Firing a Hero?*

Abstract:

On July 30, 2009, an employee of KeyBank found himself fired from his job two days after he had prevented an attempted robbery at the bank by confronting the would-be-robber and overpowering him.

Issues: » Ethics » Compliance policy » Disciplinary actions. Introduction On July 28, 2009, a man walked up to the counter of a branch of KeyBank in Seattle, pushed a black bag across the counter, and ordered the teller to hand over money. Jim Nicholson (Nicholson), the 30-year-old bank teller who had worked for the bank for more than two years, stood up to the man and demanded to see the weapon...

Questions for Discussion:

1. Jim Nicholson was able to prevent the robbery and save the people in the bank from potential harm. Do you think the end justified the means in this case - did Nicholson do the right thing in confronting the would-be bank robber?
2. Did KeyBank do the right thing in firing Jim Nicholson? Would a warning or suspension have been better disciplinary action?

Key words:
Ethics, Policy, Compliance policy, Disciplinary action, KeyBank

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