OGL 481 Pro-Seminar I:

PCA-Structural Frame Worksheet

Worksheet Objectives:

1. Describe the structural frame

2. Apply the structural frame to your personal case situation

Complete the following making sure to support your ideas and cite from the textbook and other
course materials per APA guidelines. After the peer review, you have a chance to update this and
format for your Electronic Portfolio due in Module 6.

1) Briefly restate your situation from Module 1 and your role.

I worked at Blanco Tacos and Tequila, part of Sam Fox Restaurants, as a busser. My job
was to clear tables, set them up for new customers, and help keep the place clean. When
COVID-19 hit, the restaurant had to let go of some staff, including me, showing how tough the
pandemic was for those in restaurant jobs.

2) Describe how the structure of the organization influenced the situation.

The restaurant is part of a larger chain that typically benefits from a strong reputation and
effective leadership. Under normal circumstances, these factors contribute to its success and
stability, attracting customers and fostering a positive work environment. However, during the
pandemic, the operational structure of the restaurant led to significant challenges for some
employees, including myself.

When the pandemic struck, the management had to make difficult decisions to adapt to
the new economic realities and public health guidelines. In an effort to sustain the business
during these uncertain times, the decision-makers at the top opted to minimize operational costs
by reducing the workforce. Consequently, the restaurant continued to function but with a
significantly reduced staff. This strategy meant that many employees, particularly those in
entry-level or less specialized positions, were laid off.

This approach, while perhaps necessary from a business survival perspective, had a
profound impact on many individuals. It not only led to job losses but also added to the stress
and uncertainty faced by those who found themselves suddenly unemployed. The reliance on a
lean staffing model during the crisis highlighted the vulnerability of workers in lower-level
positions, who bore the brunt of the economic downturn.

3) Recommend how you would use structure for an alternative course of action
regarding your case.

Reflecting on the situation, it seems the restaurant could have benefited from a more
decentralized approach to decision-making. If the process had been inclusive, allowing input
from both managers and staff at the restaurant level, alternative solutions to the challenges posed
by the pandemic might have emerged.

By engaging the entire team in brainstorming sessions, the restaurant could have explored
a range of adaptive strategies, such as intensifying the focus on takeout services or redefining job
roles to meet evolving needs. For instance, waitstaff could have been repurposed as delivery
drivers or involved in managing expanded online ordering systems. Kitchen staff might have
shifted their efforts towards preparing a simplified menu optimized for takeout and delivery.

Such a collaborative approach would have potentially enabled the restaurant to retain
more employees by diversifying their roles and responsibilities. Moreover, involving the staff in
the decision-making process could have fostered a greater sense of community and shared
purpose, qualities especially valuable during such turbulent times. This inclusivity might not
only have mitigated the immediate impacts of the pandemic on employment but also could have
sustained morale and team cohesion, helping everyone navigate the crisis together.

4) Reflect on what you would do or not do differently given what you have
learned about this frame.

Reflecting on the experiences during the pandemic, it's become clear to me how crucial
flexibility and inclusivity are in a business setting. The rigid structure of our restaurant, while
typically efficient, did not afford enough adaptability in the face of such an unprecedented crisis.
Moving forward, I recognize the importance of ensuring that all team members' perspectives are
considered when making significant decisions. To better prepare for future uncertainties, I
advocate for a more dynamic approach where everyone's input is not just encouraged but actively
sought. This can be achieved by regular team meetings and open forums where staff at all levels
can share their ideas and insights. This collaborative environment would allow us to brainstorm
and implement adaptive strategies swiftly, such as diversifying our service offerings or adjusting
operational tactics, which could be crucial in navigating sudden changes in the market or another
crisis.