Central Problem:

Arnold the manager, and Ann the assistant manager, have opposite personalities and preference
towards their working conditions thereby greatly affecting the preparation of their reports.

Objectives:

1. To be able to settle their constant disagreements when it comes to report making without
risking the quality of their output
2. To be able to make a report that is preferable and acceptable for both Arnold and Ann

Alternative Courses of Actions:

1. Both should learn to compromise in certain situations.

Arnold, being the manager is supposed to set as a good example to his subordinates.
His doing so will greatly help his subordinates to improve and do better inspired by what
they see on their manager. This specifically applies to Ann. Due to her inability to work
well without clear directions to follow from her boss; Arnold should be sensitive enough
to adjust with her until such time when Ann will be able to adjust to her boss’ style.
Ann, on the other hand, should be sensitive enough to know their boss’, being the
boss and being what they are, does not like the idea of being constrained which may lead
to more conflicts. Ann should also adjust and learn from boss’ style to overcome her
weakness.
Furthermore, both should know how and when to compromise. They should know
that though they may be experts at some situations, certain situations may require the
expertise, style and technique of the other. Here, it is expected that each should be
professional enough insofar as accepting their strengths and weaknesses. They know that
they complement each other and this may very well mean that they know when to give
each other the chance to handle a certain situation for the team and the company’s greater
good.

Advantages:
• With one party cooling off, conflicts will certainly be minimized.
• There is an appropriate division of work.
• Each is given the chance to apply their individual approaches in addressing
certain situations.

Disadvantages:
• This will lead to confusion because of unclear chain of command.
• Delays as far as decision making is concerned are certain to occur.
• There is a possibility of rushed and undone reports.

2. The company human resource office should organize and interpersonal relationship or
teambuilding activity for the employees.

1
 Interpersonal relationship inside the workplace is one of the factors that affects the
motivation and satisfaction of employees. Positive relationship creates an atmosphere that
is more conducive for working. Otherwise, there will be no unity among the employees.
IPRs will serve as the tool for the employees to get to know each other better on an
informal setting, understand their behavior and relate with their officemates. Through
this, misunderstandings can be ironed out and relationships between the employees will
get stronger.

Advantages:
• Employees, including Arnold and Ann, will be more sensitive and aware of their
officemate’s situation.
• Disputes will be minimized.
• Personnel will be relaxed and stress will be minimized.
• There is always a happy atmosphere in the workplace.

Disadvantage:
• This activity means additional cash outflow from the coffers of the company.
• This may create inappropriate informal relationships among the employees.

3. Setting and reiterating the organizational chart.

It should be noted at all times that Arnold, being the manager himself is the head of
the team. He directs, decides and approves on about everything concerning the office. He
is more superior as far as Ann’s position is concerned. Ann, on the other hand, being the
assistant manager is only second in command to Arnold. What she is supposedly tasked
to do is to merely assist Arnold and take over only in the latter’s absence.

Advantages:
• There is clear chain of command thereby lessening confusion and disagreements.
• Knowing and understanding their position and their roles, Arnold and Ann’s
conflict will be minimized.

Disadvantages:
• The interpersonal relationship of Arnold and Anna will affected which may lead
to creating a gap between them.
• This will induce a feeling of incompetence on Ann’s part.

4. Schedule a meeting for the making of the reports

As what office settings usually have, there should always be open communication and
information dissemination from the head towards the personnel and among the personnel
themselves. This can be made through scheduling meetings. Furthermore, aside from this
schedule, the personnel should always be ready for emergency meetings. Arnold may
choose to meet Ann ahead and talk about what they’re going to do and hen talk to the
whole team included in the report making.

2
 Advantage:
• Aside from being able to deliberate and discuss the report. This will allow Arnold
and Ann enough time for preparation. Arnold will not feel pressured and controlled
and Ann on the other hand, will be given ample time with the directions she need for
the preparation for the report.

Disadvantage:
• Time consuming especially when the two are busy doing other work.

5. Seek the advice of the whole team.

Truly, nothing ever beats teamwork. So, to further help both Arnold and Ann in
decision-making as far as their report is concerned, it is better that they should consult
the other members of their team. What they should do afterwards is to compile, sort
and use the ideas, views and opinions of their personnel.

Advantage:
• With the suggestions of the rest of the personnel and not just limited to both their
idea, he report can now be made without their disagreeing about it.

Disadvantage:
• This is very hassle and time-consuming to do.

Recommendation

To meet the first objective, that is to settle their constant disagreements when it comes to
report making without risking the quality of their output, the group recommends the laddered
Alternative Courses of Actions to settle the constant dispute of between Arnold and Ann. First,
as both are professionals, it is expected they must know and learn when it is best to give
compromises. Second, if this is difficult for both to do, the human resource should do something
about this conflict by organizing an interpersonal relationship or teambuilding activity for the
personnel to get to know each other better. The personnel should also set and reiterate the
organizational chart so that everything is clear between Arnold and Ann as far as their position is
concerned.
For the second objective to be met, the fourth and fifth alternative courses of action shall
are applicable – meeting.
The alternative courses of actions from number one to five are laddered, that is, if the first
one will not work, proceed to the next and so on and so forth. However, it should be noted that
each ACA, if implemented well, is capable of solving the central problem.