Case study accused or victim?—The curious case of Dr Hasan Gokal

Abstract

The case study examines the complex decisions facing street-level bureaucrats, especially during crises, and their implications for the employees and organizations. It chronicles the developments that unfolded in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Harris County Health Department (HCPH) terminated Dr Hasan Gokal, a South Asian physician, for vaccine theft and not following the organizational protocols in equitable vaccine distribution. This case immerses the reader into the context of administrative situations through competing narratives of HCPH and Dr Gokal and allows the students to appreciate the tension between administrative discretion and accountability, and the concept of organizational justice. Instructors can also use the case for teaching leadership, organizational behavior, human resource management, healthcare management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.