Name Asish Sabat

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

Question 2Write 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
making continious 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.

Scoville was nice to Lisa in the beginning by

Neuroticism High 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.

Write your answer for Part B here.

Lisa can initiate an emotional connect with Scoville. She could assess what ticks him and what
doesn’t by connect 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

Part A :
 The hidden area/ facade

Part B:

Lisa should have use the conversational skills with Linton & develop a relation 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". But Linton could have done differently: - 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

Part A:

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.

Part B:

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.