Steve, an employee of Big Mart, accused Karen of shoplifting her umbrella as she was leaving the store. Karen showed Steve that she had owned the umbrella for years by pointing out signs of wear and tear. Steve then apologized and let Karen leave. As an agent of Big Mart, Steve's actions could make the store liable if Karen decides to sue for false imprisonment or defamation of character, since principals are generally responsible for the actions of their agents.

1. BUS 311 Week 3 DQ 2 A Principal`s Responsibility for the Actions of Their Agent
http://www.homeworkmye.com/product/bus-311-week-3-dq-2-a-principals-
responsibility-for-the-actions-of-their-agent
DQ 2
A Principal’s Responsibility for the Actions of Their Agent. Karen is shopping
at Big Mart. She has with her an umbrella which is the same brand Big Mart
carries. When a Big Mart employee, Steve, sees her leave with the umbrella
without going through the checkout lane, he asks her to come back into the
store. Steve says that he thinks Karen is shoplifting the umbrella. Karen tells
him that she has had the umbrella for years and shows him marks of wear and
tear. Steve apologizes and tells Karen she is free to go. Can Karen successfully
sue for false imprisonment or defamation? From what you have learned about the
relationship between a principal and an agent, analyze whether Steve or Big Mart
could be liable because of Steve’s actions.