1.12 Cases and Exercises

Case: Stop Talking: My Tape's Run Out!

Monica Sanchez, a recent graduate in OB, hadn't expected to make a return visit to ESADE Business School in Barcelona, to see Professor Adolfo Soler her OB instructor. However, she needed help in making a critical decision.

Upon graduation two years ago, Monica had accepted a job as assistant to the human resources (HR) manager in a small, privately owned agricultural manufacturing and engineering firm in Seville (Spain). Eduardo Garcia, the owner of the company, had been impressed by the internship she had served there prior to graduation. A year after she started, the HR manager resigned abruptly, and Monica was put in charge of HR.

Monica performed her duties with enthusiasm and professionalism. Within a short period, she gained the trust of the employees, and found that many of them liked to spend time with her discussing personal as well as work-related problems. They knew that the information they shared would be kept confidential.

One Monday, Garcia summoned her to his office and told her he'd heard rumors that some employees disliked his management style. "Frankly, Monica," he added, "there's no room in my firm for employees who don't accept my style or the company policies, so I have to ask you if what I've heard is true." He then pointed to a microphone and showed Monica how he recorded all the conversations that took place in his office. All conversations held in Monica's office were to be secretly recorded as well. Mr. Garcia gave Monica a week to install the device, noting that failure to comply with his request would be interpreted as insubordination and result in dismissal.

Monica had a real dilemma. On the one hand, she liked her job and knew how hard it would be to find a comparable one. On the other hand, she was appalled by the owner request and the ultimatum that accompanied it. Monica needed guidance and direction. "What shall I do?" she asked Professor Soler.

Questions

  1. What would you have done if you were Monica Sanchez?

  2. What advice would you give Monica if you were Professor Soler?

Self-Awareness Exercise: Close-to-Home Organizational Problems

Write separate accounts of three organizational problems experienced by you, your family, or friends. For each account, use one of the headings listed below.

  • Getting Hired

  • Being Trained

  • Being Motivated

  • Being Poorly Led

  • Performing the Work

  • Dealing with Clients/Customers

  • Dealing with Colleagues/Co-workers

  • Dealing with Your Boss/Supervisor

  • Being Treated Unfairly

  • Experiencing or Witnessing Improper Behavior.

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