Will She Fit In?

A Case Study of Power Politics

1. Case Summary
Susan Carter is a new partner at Crowne group, one of the prestigious strategy
firm in New York. She is a hardworking woman that can bring her to 4 woman out
of 98 partners. While Brian Hanson is a senior vice president of Pellmore
Industries that has worked with Susan before. It is Brian the man who
recommendPellmore to Crowne so that Pellmore become the Crowne’s largest
client.

2. Problem Identification
The situation is that Brian makes a sexual move towards Susan and Susan
doesn’t know what to do or what her next move should be. Susan Carter must
decide whether or not to tell her boss that one of her clients made a pass at her.

3. Problem Analysis
Susan Carter needs to decide what she should do after a client made a pass at
her. She is concerned that she would be overlooked for future promotions if she
speaks out. We recommend that Carter overlook the incident this time, but take
action if the client continues to make her feel uncomfortable.

4. Problem Solving&Recomendation
Possible action of Susan Carter:
• Pretend that it never happened
• Overlook the incident this time, but speak up about it if it happens again
• Talk with Brian Hanson (the client) about the incident
• Talk with her boss about the incident
• Talk with her boss and Hanson together

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 • Talk with her boss about how she feels about the view of women in the
company

If Carter decides to pretend that the incident never happened, she would not risk
losing her year-end bonus and would not risk losing Hanson as a client. Carter,
however, would be overlooking the entire issue of how women are treated in her
company. By not talking with Hanson, he may feel as though his actions were
acceptable and continue to harass her.

By overlooking the incident this time and speaking up if anything happens again,
Carter would avoid the risk of losing her client, her bonus, and perhaps her job.
Carter told Hanson that what had happened was not a good idea and if he
continues he will do so knowing that she does not approve. Carter risks having
the incident happen again.

Talking with Hanson about the incident might help to alleviate any kind of
awkwardness between the two of them. Carter would be able to tell him that what
happened made her uncomfortable and that it was not acceptable.

Our Recommendation stick to the point that Susan must get her point across by
stop the problem at the source. And Susan must be aware that Brian can
escalade the problem first in a preemptive strike.