In: Operations Management
Question text
Identify and Define Problems. Amanda has a co-worker, Sherry,
who is vocal about political opinions. Amanda does not agree with
Sherry's views. Amanda likes Sherry but some of her recent comments
have upset Amanda and made her feel uncomfortable. Amanda puts her
energy into telling their co-workers about Sherry's annoying
comments. The gossip has gotten back to the boss, Mel. Mel agrees
with Sherry's political views. Mel gave Amanda a written reprimand
for violating the company's zero tolerance policy. Mel cited that
Amanda was bullying Sherry because she was mocking her political
views.
Is the problem in the scenario a work-place problem or is it a
personal problem between friends?
Select one:
a. It is a personal problem, Amanda and Sherry are friends.
b. It is a personal problem, Amanda and Sherry are friends and the political conversations are of personal content and do not involve talk about work.
c. It is a work problem because Amanda's gossiping is distracting employees from completing their daily tasks.
d. It is a work problem because an employee feels uncomfortable in the workplace and Amanda's gossip is toxic to the work climate.
Identify and Define Problems. Amanda has a co-worker, Sherry,
who is vocal about political opinions. Amanda does not agree with
Sherry's views. Amanda likes Sherry but some of her recent comments
have upset Amanda and made her feel uncomfortable. Amanda puts her
energy into telling their co-workers about Sherry's annoying
comments. The gossip has gotten back to the boss, Mel. Mel agrees
with Sherry's political views. Mel gave Amanda a written reprimand
for violating the company's zero tolerance policy. Mel cited that
Amanda was bullying Sherry because she was mocking her political
views.
What could Amanda have done differently to solve the problem she
had with Sherry? Choose the best option.
Select one:
a. Amanda could have taken her concern to the boss, Mel.
b. Amanda could have shared her concern with Sherry without involving others.
c. Amanda could have asked others if they had a problem with Sherry's political views.
d. Amanda could have gone to HR or the ethics hotline.
Identify and Define Problems. Amanda has a co-worker, Sherry,
who is vocal about political opinions. Amanda does not agree with
Sherry's views. Amanda likes Sherry but some of her recent comments
have upset Amanda and made her feel uncomfortable. Amanda puts her
energy into telling their co-workers about Sherry's annoying
comments. The gossip has gotten back to the boss, Mel. Mel agrees
with Sherry's political views. Mel gave Amanda a written reprimand
for violating the company's zero tolerance policy. Mel cited that
Amanda was bullying Sherry because she was mocking her political
views.
Should Amanda have involved her co-workers in her problem solving?
Why or Why not?
Select one:
a. Yes, it affects them also.
b. Yes, she should have tried to build a support team against the political talk.
c. No, the issue did not involve others.
d. No, Amanda does not know if her co-workers agree with Sherry's political views.
Identify and Define Problems. Amanda has a co-worker, Sherry,
who is vocal about political opinions. Amanda does not agree with
Sherry's views. Amanda likes Sherry but some of her recent comments
have upset Amanda and made her feel uncomfortable. Amanda puts her
energy into telling their co-workers about Sherry's annoying
comments. The gossip has gotten back to the boss, Mel. Mel agrees
with Sherry's political views. Mel gave Amanda a written reprimand
for violating the company's zero tolerance policy. Mel cited that
Amanda was bullying Sherry because she was mocking her political
views.
Is the problem in the scenario a work-place problem or is it a
personal problem between friends?
Select one:
a. It is a personal problem, Amanda and Sherry are friends.
b. It is a personal problem, Amanda and Sherry are friends and the political conversations are of personal content and do not involve talk about work.
c. It is a work problem because Amanda's gossiping is distracting employees from completing their daily tasks.
d. It is a work problem because an employee feels uncomfortable in the workplace and Amanda's gossip is toxic to the work climate.
answer is d as this is clearly a work problem impacting other employees and also making Sherry feel uncomfortable in the workplace. Also the comments of Amanda are not good for the work climate
Identify and Define Problems. Amanda has a co-worker, Sherry,
who is vocal about political opinions. Amanda does not agree with
Sherry's views. Amanda likes Sherry but some of her recent comments
have upset Amanda and made her feel uncomfortable. Amanda puts her
energy into telling their co-workers about Sherry's annoying
comments. The gossip has gotten back to the boss, Mel. Mel agrees
with Sherry's political views. Mel gave Amanda a written reprimand
for violating the company's zero tolerance policy. Mel cited that
Amanda was bullying Sherry because she was mocking her political
views.
What could Amanda have done differently to solve the problem she
had with Sherry? Choose the best option.
Select one:
a. Amanda could have taken her concern to the boss, Mel.
b. Amanda could have shared her concern with Sherry without involving others.
c. Amanda could have asked others if they had a problem with Sherry's political views.
d. Amanda could have gone to HR or the ethics hotline.
Answer is b where Amanda could have shared her concern with Sherry without involving other. If the same was not resolved between the two she could have gone to HR and then may be Mel
Identify and Define Problems. Amanda has a co-worker, Sherry,
who is vocal about political opinions. Amanda does not agree with
Sherry's views. Amanda likes Sherry but some of her recent comments
have upset Amanda and made her feel uncomfortable. Amanda puts her
energy into telling their co-workers about Sherry's annoying
comments. The gossip has gotten back to the boss, Mel. Mel agrees
with Sherry's political views. Mel gave Amanda a written reprimand
for violating the company's zero tolerance policy. Mel cited that
Amanda was bullying Sherry because she was mocking her political
views.
Should Amanda have involved her co-workers in her problem solving?
Why or Why not?
Select one:
a. Yes, it affects them also.
b. Yes, she should have tried to build a support team against the political talk.
c. No, the issue did not involve others.
d. No, Amanda does not know if her co-workers agree with Sherry's political views.
answer is d. No she does not know about her co-workers political views and this would have only resulted in more gossip getting created in the organization