Name Himani Mali

Question 1

Instance 1 - The first instance where the friction between Lisa and Linton was during her first
day in the office. Linton remarked that ‘she doesn’t like MBAs’. This remark along with the
cool and disinterested welcome she got from her boss was a primary friction point

Instance 2 - Richard Clark, the group product manager who had impressed her during the
recruitment process barely recognized her nor welcomed her into the organization. He had
given her a cold welcome

Instance 3 - Scoville’s condescending manner in which he spoke to her and he was acting like
an overbearing big brother. He assigned her menial tasks like copying reports. This was
another friction point during her first few weeks
Question 2

Write your answer for Part A here.

Trait Level: High/Low Example supporting the answer

Openness to Scoville moved from the operations department

Experience High

Conscientiousness Low The copying episode with Lisa where Scoville

was frantically making changes at the last
moment is evidence for his low
conscientiousness

Extraversion Low He doesn’t mingle well with other department

workers. This was evident when he doesn’t join
them for lunch. This point can further be
supported by the fact that a challenge is getting
things done from other departments

Agreeableness Low He was critical in his approach. This was

supported by the events of Lisa’s first day
interactions with him where he was extremely
critical of MBA graduates. He was also found
to be extremely irritable by other employees
who took Lisa’s side later on

Neuroticism High Scoville was nice to Lisa in the beginning by

answering her questions and doubts. But he
threw a temper tantrum during his disagreement
with Lisa on the assumptions on Pure and
Fresh’s pricing strategy. Due to this
 emotional instability his neuroticism score is
high

Lisa can initiate an emotional connect with Scoville. She could assess what ticks him and what
doesn’t by connecting with him outside the office on an emotional level. She can make herself
indispensable to Scoville by using her relationships with other department colleagues in
getting work done quickly for him. Scoville’s increasing reliance on her can improve her
relationship with him

Question 3

It is the hidden area/ facade

Lisa should use her conversational skills with Linton and develop a relationship with her. The
drivers for both Linton and Lisa are that they are both women who are ambitious. Developing
a camaraderie with Linton should be easier if Lisa connected with her using this driver. Lisa
can make herself more visible by getting onto interesting projects that increases her visibility
to Scoville and Linton. This would make other colleagues mention good things about her, this
creates a network of influence for Lisa. Lisa should stop acting like a learner in the future and
be assertive with her recommendations and pitch relevant ideas during staff meetings
Question 4

In Lisa's performance review, Linton described Lisa as "unassertive" and "lacking in initiative
and confidence". What could Linton have done differently while giving the feedback? Suggest
two improvements. Instead of coming across and telling the negatives directly, Linton could
have presented the opportunities to Lisa where she can present herself assertively and
empower her shine.
When Linton heard of how abhorrent Scoville’s management was, she could have given Lisa
her word that she would counsel him to alter his behavior.

Question 5

1) Work appreciation

2) Training and Coaching

3) Fun activities

Question 6

The soft tactics that can show personal power are:

• Persuasion
• Exchange
• Impression Management

She can also exchange favors with Scoville. By helping him with tasks she can influence himto
accept her points of view.
Lisa can be more assertive in her conversations with Scoville and Linton. The conversation
with Lisa when she said she doesn’t like MBA’s and she could have given assertive feedback to
Scoville about his abhorrent style of management. This could have minimized her negative
experiences.

Question 7

Yes, there was a breach of trust. Please see below the incident

Scoville was forcing Lisa to do his copying work. Lisa was busy on her task and she denied.
Then she got furious stating ‘Oh, I see, you’re too good at copying” Scoville immediately
complained to Linton stating the exact same words. This was going behind her back and a
clear breach of trust.

Question 8

Yes, Lisa should quit the job at Houseworld. Amongst many reason, here are my arguments.
Lack of ethics – There is a clear lack of business ethics and personal moral values in her
seniors – Linton and Scoville. This clearly will not give her a fair opportunity in spite of her
giving her best. Also, she might pick up wrong principles, affecting her career later in life.
Lack of Team Bonding – There is a clear display of lack of team bonding and team
management from typing issues to copying incident. This is unhealthy and will hamper the