IMT Lisa Benton Ashish Sharma PDF

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Name Ashish SharmaQuestion 1Instance 1 - The first instance where the friction between Lisa and Linton was during her first day in the office. Linton remarked that ‘she doesn’t like MBAs’. This remark along with the cool and disinterested welcome she got from her boss was a primary friction pointIns...

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Name

Ashish Sharma

Question 1

Instance 1 - The first instance where the friction between Lisa and Linton was during her first day in the office. Linton remarked that ‘she doesn’t like MBAs’. This remark along with the cool and disinterested welcome she got from her boss was a primary friction point Instance 2 - Richard Clark, the group product manager who had impressed her during the recruitment process barely recognized her nor welcomed her into the organization. He had given her a cold welcome Instance 3 - Scoville’s condescending manner in which he spoke to her and he was acting like an overbearing big brother. He assigned her menial tasks like copying reports. This was another friction point during her first few weeks

Question 2

Write your answer for Part A here.

Trait

Openness to

Level: High/Low

Example supporting the answer

High

Scoville moved from the operations department

Low

The copying episode with Lisa where Scoville

Experience

Conscientiousness

was frantically making changes at the last moment is evidence for his low conscientiousness

Extraversion

Low

He doesn’t mingle well with other department workers. This was evident when he doesn’t join them for lunch. This point can further be supported by the fact that a challenge is getting things done from other departments

Agreeableness

Low

He was critical in his approach. This was supported by the events of Lisa’s first day interactions with him where he was extremely critical of MBA graduates. He was also found to be extremely irritable by other employees who took Lisa’s side later on

Neuroticism

High

Scoville was nice to Lisa in the beginning by answering her questions and doubts. But he threw a temper tantrum during his disagreement with Lisa on the assumptions on Pure and Fresh’s pricing strategy. Due to this emotional instability his neuroticism score is

high

Question 2B: Using the results of the OCEAN framework analysis, suggest two ways in which Lisa can improve her relationship with Scoville. (2 marks) Lisa can initiate an emotional connect with Scoville. She could assess what ticks him and what doesn’t by connecting with him outside the office on an emotional level. She can make herself indispensable to Scoville by using her relationships with other department colleagues in getting work done quickly for him. Scoville’s increasing reliance on her can improve her relationship with him.

Question 3

Question 3A: Which area of the Johari window does this situation represent? (1 mark)

It is the hidden area/ facade

Question 3B: What can Lisa do to reduce this area and improve her relationship with Linton? Give at least two relevant examples. (4 marks ) Lisa should use her conversational skills with Linton and develop a relationship with her. The drivers for both Linton and Lisa are that they are both women who are ambitious. Developing a camaraderie with Linton should be easier if Lisa connected with her using this driver. Lisa can make herself more visible by getting onto interesting projects that increases her visibility to Scoville and Linton. This would make other colleagues mention good things about her, this creates a network of influence for Lisa. Lisa should stop acting like a learner in the future and be assertive with her recommendations and pitch relevant ideas during staff meetings.

Question 4 In Lisa's performance review, Linton described Lisa as "unassertive" and "lacking in initiative and confidence". What could Linton have done differently while giving the feedback? Suggest two improvements. In Lisa's performance review, Linton described Lisa as "unassertive" and "lacking in initiative and confidence". What could Linton have done differently while giving the feedback? Suggest two improvements. Instead of coming across and telling the negatives directly, Linton could have presented the opportunities to Lisa where she can present herself assertively and empower her shine. When Linton heard of how abhorrent Scoville’s management was, she could have given Lisa her word that she would counsel him to alter his behavior.

Question 5

Suggest three engagement tactics that could have helped Lisa in feeling more motivated to

work in Houseworld. 1) Work appreciation 2) Training and Coaching 3) Fun activities

Question 6

Question 6A: Mention 2 soft tactics that Lisa can use. Suggest relevant ways in which these can be implemented. (2 marks) The soft tactics that can show personal power are: •

Persuasion

•

Exchange

•

Impression Management

She can also exchange favors with Scoville. By helping him with tasks she can influence him to accept her points of view.

Question 6B: Mention 2 hard tactics that Lisa can use. Suggest relevant ways in which these can be implemented. (2 marks) Assertiveness: Lisa can be more assertive in her conversations with Scoville and Linton. The conversation with Lisa when she said she doesn’t like MBA’s and she could have given assertive feedback to Scoville about his abhorrent style of management. This could have minimized her negative experiences.

Question 7

Do you think there has been a breach of ethics by Lisa's coworkers? Justify your answer by giving reasons and mentioning instances from the case study. Yes, there was a breach of trust. Please see below the incident Scoville was forcing Lisa to do his copying work. Lisa was busy on her task and she denied. Then she got furious stating ‘Oh, I see, you’re too good at copying” Scoville immediately complained to Linton stating the exact same words. This was going behind her back and a clear breach of trust.

Question 8 Should Lisa quit her job at Houseworld? Support your answer with at least 3 relevant arguments. Yes, Lisa should quit the job at Houseworld. Amongst many reason, here are my arguments. Lack of ethics – There is a clear lack of business ethics and personal moral values in her seniors – Linton and Scoville. This clearly will not give her a fair opportunity in spite of her giving her best. Also, she might pick up wrong principles, affecting her career later in life. Lack of Team Bonding – There is a clear display of lack of team bonding and team management from typing issues to copying incident. This is unhealthy and will hamper the

overall growth. This doesn’t foster a good breeding ground for growth. Unprofessional – Scoville has many a times displayed unprofessional behavior and we see no action taken against him. Other team members likewise raise similar issue but nothing concrete against him has happened. This shows red tapism....