Case Study 1: Susie Wong

1. Why Susie Wong was always by passed in promotions?

In my opinion, I would say that it is due to (1) her attitude and (2) the Finance
Manager. First of all, there’s no doubt that she is qualified considering her
credentials, she is also tasked-oriented and does her job really well, however, she is
not capable of leading. As what Aristotle said “He who cannot be a good follower,
cannot be a good leader.”. To be a leader, you need to follow your subordinates, you
have to accept their opinions and be patient and all. You should be the one who
motivates them and serve as a driver that will guide them instead of reprimanding
them in a tactless way. Yet she is the other way around and so the second reason
might be because of the Finance Manager, maybe he knows his capabilities and he
feel agitated that she might overcome him as she is more competent than him and
the fact that she doesn’t feel intimidated by him, that’s why he doesn’t want to
promote her.
2. Was management justified in not promoting her?
I think no, she is very qualified and competent with her job, she’s task-oriented
and her only flaw is her attitude. She should be given a chance to prove herself and
not just judge her directly. Everyone is capable of changing. The management could
negotiate with her by compromising and telling her about her issues. It is stated that
she socializes well with others as long as its not about the job and she is gaining
rapport with other members, which manifest that she’s not really that bad.

3. How did this non-promotion affect her?

It affected her in a way that she, being task-oriented went on deliberate half-
hearted way of doing her job, to get back to her boss. You can see her passion in
doing her job, and she might’ve thought that she’s not fairly given an opportunity to
show what she’s capable of, which leads to her inefficiency in accomplishing her
tasks.

4. What are the problems in this case?

 Susie Wong’s attitude
 The incompetent Finance Manager
 No teamwork
5. Propose ways of resolving these problems.
 Team building activity or exercise with the Finance Manager, Susie Wong and
their subordinates who work under them, in order to create relationship and
improve communication with them, to motivate them to work together, develop
their strengths, and address any weaknesses, and encourage collaboration
among them rather than competition.
 A team meeting to address issues and solve the problems escalating.