In: Operations Management
Having done well in his job as a staff accountant in the accounts payable department of a major industrial firm for several years since his college graduation, Steven was relaxed as he entered the employee lounge to attend the late-afternoon welcoming reception for his new supervisor, Kristin.
At the reception, Kristen circulated through the room, introducing herself to her new direct reports and asking each of them if they had suggestions that would help make the accounts payable department a better place to work. When she approached Steven, he told her about something that had been on his mind lately: that people seemed to gain promotions and be given paid overtime opportunities based on who liked them, and not on the quality of their work. Kristen politely thanked him for his comment and noted that she would look into it.
Upon his arrival at work the next day, Kristen called Steven into her office. As he sat down, Kristen said, “I will not tolerate individuals in this organization who are not good team players. Yesterday afternoon you led me to believe that there are people in this office who are not acting in the best interests of this company. I want you to tell me the names of the managers you were referring to, or I’ve got to think that you’re part of the problems around here.” Stunned by both the tone and content of her statement, Steven tried to think of a way to respond.
Place yourself in the position of Steven and respond to the following question. Make sure you explain your answer.
2. Who are the relevant stakeholders in this dilemma?
Stakeholders
The issue here is that of ethics. Though I am not denying that there are issues within the team, giving out the names of managers would be highly unethical. Firstly in my opinion, the existence of the problem is a subjective and a personal assessment. There is no proof that I can offer you for the same. Secondly, giving out their names will affect your objective assessment of the issue and bias you against those managers. Thirdly, it will foster hostility within the team. If word leaks out that I am providing you inside information, the relations between the team members which are now at their optimal best will be negatively affected. This will bring down the synergy of the team and result in declining performance of the team as a whole which will directly affect the shareholders as stakeholders of the Company. Lastly, the hostility within the team will also spoil the work environment and it may soon no longer be possible to continue to work.