Decision Making

 

A Good Team Player

MINICASE: MGMT - 06

 1. Introduction & Problem Identification

In this case, Steven, a staff accountant in the accounts payable section of an industrial company where he has worked for several years and knows very well the bureaucratic operation of the company, decides to express his concern to his new supervisor, Kristin, since he believes that exist favoritism in the company. He told her that the promotion of people and opportunities for overtime work that has been given in the company was based on personal relationships instead of merit. 

While Kristin initially assured Steven that she would address the issue, she takes a confrontational approach in their subsequent meeting, accusing Steven of being part of the problem and demanding the names of the managers involved. The dilemma here is how Kristin, as a manager, can handle the situation in a way that promotes fairness, trust, and effective leadership within the team.

2. Decision criteria

• Ethical Considerations: Ensuring decisions and actions align with ethical principles, such as fairness, honesty, and respect.

• Organizational reputation: Consideration of how the decision can affect the company's reputation for fairness, transparency, and ethical practices.

• Equity and Meritocracy: Ensuring that promotions, opportunities, and rewards are based on objective criteria and performance rather than personal relationships.

• Communication and Collaboration: Encourage open communication, foster collaboration, and value diverse perspectives.

3. Generate Alternatives 

A. Conduct a Confidential Investigation: Assign a neutral party to investigate Steve's concerns of favoritism and the other employees to discreetly gather evidence. Guarantee confidentiality and protect the privacy of the people involved. Take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.

B. Implement a transparent performance evaluation system: establish clear criteria and metrics for promotions, opportunities and overtime. Implement a fair performance appraisal process that includes objective measurements and periodic reviews.

C. Facilitate open dialogue and team building activities: Host team meetings, workshops, or training sessions to address concerns, encourage open communication, and build trust among team members. Fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

 

4. Evaluate Alternatives

A. Confidential investigation:

• Ethical Considerations (Medium): Respects the privacy and confidentiality of employees; addresses concerns objectively.
• Equity and meritocracy (Medium): Addresses the issue of favoritism based on evidence and objective evaluation.
• Organizational reputation (Medium): Indicates a commitment to address potential misconduct and promote fairness.
• Communication and collaboration (High): Limited impact on immediate communication and collaboration within the team.

 B. Implement a transparent performance evaluation system: 

• Ethical considerations (Medium): Ensures fairness and transparency in decision-making.
• Organizational reputation (Medium): Demonstrates a commitment to merit-based practices and fairness.
• Fairness and meritocracy (High): Establishes objective criteria for promotions and opportunities.
• Communication and collaboration (High): Promotes open discussions about performance and expectations. 

C. Facilitate open dialogue and team-building activities: 

• Ethical considerations (High): Encourages open communication, respect for diverse perspectives.
• Fairness and meritocracy (High): Provides a platform to address concerns and foment an inclusive work environment.
• Organizational reputation (Medium): demonstrates a commitment to the well-being and collaboration of employees.
• Communication and collaboration (High): It improves communication, collaboration, and teamwork within the organization. 

 

5.  Select the Best Alternative

Considering the decision criteria, I believe the best alternative would be to facilitate open dialogue and teamwork activities. This alternative prioritizes ethical considerations, employee trust and morale, equity, the organization's reputation, communication, collaboration, and professional growth and development whit equal opportunities. By creating a safe environment for open discussions, addressing concerns, and promoting collaboration, Kristin can build trust, encourage employee engagement, and improve overall team dynamics.