Name Mayuriba Zala

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 High Scoville moved from the operations department

Experience

Conscientiousness Low The copying episode with Lisa where Scoville

was frantically making changes at the last
moment shows 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 extremelv
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 instabilitv his neuroticism score is
high

Question 2B: 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

Question 3A: Hidden area/facade

Question3B: 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

Question 6A: 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 him to
accept her points of view.

Question6B: Assertiveness: 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
overall growth. This doesn't foster a good breeding ground for growth.

Unprofessional - Scoville has many a times displayed unprofessional behavior and we see no
action taken against him. Other team members likewise raise similar issue but nothing
concrete against him has happened. This shows red tapism.