Human Resource Management (OB)
Countryside Environmental Services experiences problems. The problems develop in the organization’s operations of the new project with reference to the developments among the human capital. There are tensions among workers or employees of the organization especially in relation to Gwen. Gwen, whose job description is undefined in the context of the organization and project, seems to have a relationship and power related issues thus causing problems and tensions with other employees. Vincent, the new manager of the project from the political aspect, notes this and tries to sell the idea of making change to the Chief Executive Officer (John) before it is too late. His attempts seem to land on deaf ears as no change occurs from the efforts. In order to solve the problems facing the Countryside Environmental Services, it is crucial for the organization to develop these solutions or other alternative.
Solution 1
The first solution to the problem facing the organization is to prescribe psychotherapy to Gwen in order to help her solve personal issues. Most problems facing Gwen seem to relate to issues developing in her life away from the job specifications. One of the main advantages of this solution is that Gwen would have the courage and opportunity to face her worst fears: domination at home and work environment. This prescription should entail some few weeks away from the job scenario to Gwen to enable her develop focus to transform the organization. The therapy would enable Gwen to address her power issues and learn to relate effectively within the employment environment. The shortcomings of this solution include feeling of isolation or intimidation, loss of human power during the holidays, and interference in the personal life of the victim by the organization.
Solution 2
The second possible solution is the implementation of effective and precise job description to highlight the roles of every employee towards the achievement of the goals. Apparently, Gwen’s roles within the organization are ambiguous thus creating conflict of interests among the employees. One advantage of this solution is the immediate termination of the conflict arising from role specification. The other advantage is that every employee would know her limits and perform his or her roles with efficiency and standards in relation to the expectations. Job description would promote specialization within the organization thus offering the opportunity for the business entity to achieve goals and objectives. The main shortcoming of this solution is the essence of backlash. Gwen might feel intimidated and start planning to undermine the authority of the manager of the project. This might result from their tension and conflicts in the current state.
Solution 3
The third solution is to distinguish between personal life issues and professional acts. John seems to favor Gwen in relation to their affairs if we are to believe the bit of information from Andy. Practicing professionalism by Gwen would enable the organization to operate effectively thus the advantage of increase in the production levels within the industry. This solution would also enable John to make right and prompt decisions when dealing with Gwen. Elimination of personal affairs would eliminate favoritism in the work environment thus opportunity for employees to improve their performances in meeting the demands of their clients. The disadvantage of this solution is the development of some psychological problems such as isolation, trauma, and suicide attempts from the perspective of Gwen. This would pile more pressure to her home issues thus trauma and decrease in performance.
Solution 4
The fourth possible solution is addressing the issues directly rather than postponing and making favors by John. The first attempt towards eliminating conflict is through tackling the source or issue itself directly. The organization needs to organize a meeting to debate on how to solve or eliminate the problems emanating among the employee. This solution would enable the organization to prevent resignations by employees in relation to the issue. The solution would also provide prompt avenues to permanent elimination of the conflict. Every employee would have the opportunity to express their views openly rather than behind closed doors. The shortcomings of this solution include intimidation, development of grudges, and formation of groups with ill intensions.
Solution 5
The last solution is to maintain the status quo. This would entail ignoring the situation and asking the employees to try to live with it in order to prevent further problems. This solution would enable the organization to maintain the services of Gwen towards the achievement of the goals and objectives. This solution is the most ineffective in that it seems to practice favoritism in the working environment. It would also lead to loss of employees such as Andy who are already planning resignation from the company. The solution would also promote the development of conflict to other levels thus, not providing accurate avenue to the elimination of the problem.
