Analyze a police-led initiative that collaborates with social services (e.g., Crisis Intervention teams, co-responder models) to address mental health crises, substance abuse, or homelessness.
Evaluate the administrative structures that support or hinder the partnership and its impact.
Court-Based Social Service Integration:
Examine a problem-solving court that integrates social services into judicial processes.
Analyze how court administrators balance case flow efficiency with the delivery of rehabilitative services.
Corrections and Reentry Programs:
Focus on a reentry initiative that bridges corrections and community service.
Evaluate how correctional administrators collaborate with external organizations to support reintegration and reduce recidivism.
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Response Sample: "That's an interesting question, but my compensation at my current role was specific to the non-profit sector. Given the scope of this Marketing Coordinator role at TechCorp and my experience, I'm targeting a salary in the range of $\$60,000$ to $\$65,000$, which is commensurate with the market rate for this position in the software industry."
State Required Salary (Second Best): If pressed, he should state the lower end of his target range.
Response Sample: "To make a move for this role, I would require a salary of at least $\$58,000$." This avoids both lying and revealing his low figure.
Broaden the Scope: Frame his previous compensation as part of a larger total package.
Response Sample: "My previous total compensation package included specific non-profit benefits, but I'm looking for a total compensation of approximately $\$65,000$ at TechCorp."
Jake should never lie about his current salary, as this is an ethical breach that could lead to immediate termination if discovered. However, he is not obligated to disclose a figure that does not reflect his worth.
Is It Fair and Ethical for Employers to Base New Salary Offers on Previous Wages? Why or Why Not?
Fairness and Ethics: Unfair and Unethical
In my opinion, it is neither fair nor ethical for employers to base new salary offers solely or primarily on a candidate's previous wages.
Unfair Rationale (Value vs. Price): A job's compensation should be based on the value of the position to the hiring company (market rate, required skills, responsibilities) and the value the candidate brings to the role (skills, experience). A previous salary only reflects the economic constraints or arbitrary budgeting of a former employer, not the current employee's capabilities or the market price of the job at hand.
Ethical Rationale (Information Asymmetry): Asking for previous salary exploits a power imbalance. The employer already knows the job's budgeted range and is seeking to use the candidate's personal financial history as leverage to minimize their own cost. An ethical negotiation should begin with transparency or focus purely on the required compensation for the new role.
Sample Answer
What Should Jake Do in This Situation?
Jake is in a situation where the truth could compromise his market value and long-term earning potential. Since he has done his research and knows the market rate is between $\$55,000$ and $\$65,000$, he should avoid stating his exact current salary and instead anchor the conversation to the market rate for the role.
Here are the best strategic options for Jake:
Redirect and State Market Value (Best Option): Jake should politely decline to provide his current salary and immediately pivot to the value of the new role.