The Briarwood Industries case depicts a difficult decision that one of their current employees, Diane Williamson, is facing. Diane is frustrated that another employee, Larry Jaccobi, was chosen over her for the promotion to Vice President of the company. Throughout her career Diane recognized Briarwood's potential for expansion into the foreign markets and capitalized on that by securing a multi-million dollar supply contract for the company. She felt that she was more than qualified to lead this company. In her emotional state, Diane informs Sandy McBride, her confidant at work, about her plan to resign. Diane points to her numerous managerial roles within the company and her ability to be "a team player" as the main basis for her promotion. She feels that the body of work she has put into the company speaks for itself and that she should have been chosen over Larry, who was known for "being efficient but not very creative in his management style." Diane confronts her boss Gary Logan, the retiring vice-president, about why she was passed over for the promotion. He responds that she was not even among the top 3 candidates for his job. He explains that even though his retirement had been planned three months prior, Diane never clearly expressed a desire for the position. .
Gary goes on to say that Larry had made his intentions very clear to upper level management and that clearly his tactics got the attention of company brass. Diane is offended by this because she sees herself as much more humble and expected her hard work to speak for itself. Angry with Gary's decision, she begins to question other areas of the company policy like why she gets paid $8,000-$10,000 less in salary than other employees at her equivalent level. Before storming out of Gary's office, Diane threatens to "call my lawyer" inferring legal action will be taken against the company for discriminatory promotional policies.