The case The Way the Cookie Crumbles revolves around the facets of Power and Organisational Politics.

As one proceeds through the case, it is apprised that Sam Nolton (Sam) was a straight talker and this was not acceptable to the organization. Since ABCCOMM was to be merged with XYZCOMM, even the slightest of issues would have jeopardised the deal. The CEO, Bob Larson (Bob), being at the top most position in the organization, exercised his power to influence the VP, Mark Sullivan (Mark), to have Sam removed from the company. This was because Sams direct and honest talk was not conforming to the organisations expectations. Political behavior refers to the activities that are not required to as part of a persons formal role in the organization but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organization. Since Mark had to devise a situation to jeopardize Sams credibility before the clients, he fixed a meeting and discussed about the labour issue in their Shenzhen plant, an issue which had taken a serious dimension, and was being handled by Sam. Since the issue was related to a plant which would be under AZCOMM, the company arising from the merger, it was imperative that it be solved as soon as possible. Mark deliberately changed facts and presented a twisted version of the incident in Shenzhen to the directors of XYZCOMM, which was completely different from the actual scenario. Since Sam was already late for the meeting, he could not discuss with Mark the newer version and hence couldnt justify his stand before the directors from XYZCOMM. This marred his abilities as the division head and hence, in all possibilities, must have led to his termination. Sam was a victim of office politics and was, like he said, backstabbed by Mark. Had he been more careful and confirmed the particulars of the meeting with Mark prior to the meeting and confirmed as to what would be changes being made to the facts about the Shenzhen incident, his credibility and capabilities as the divisional manager would have been maintained.

Rohan Satija 11BSPHH010682 Seat No 14 | Section H