Problem:
Consider the case of Joan, who had been having problems at work for 2 years. Her co-workers had split into two factions that everyone on the job called "the redbirds" and "the bluebirds." There was considerable animosity because of a power struggle between the leaders of the two groups. Joan found herself allied with the bluebirds. During one of their after-work gripe sessions, she revealed that she knew one of the redbirds, Bob, had sought treatment for alcoholism. Bob had told her this several years ago when they were on good terms. Somehow this information leaked to the administration; Bob's boss called him "on the carpet" because the company was working on several government contracts, and they investigated Bob as a security risk. A couple of weeks later, Joan went to the company's employee assistance program and asked for counseling. During the inter-view, she and the counselor (Lynn) had the following exchange. JOAN: "There is just so much turmoil. It used to be a good place to work. Now it's 'dog eat dog." LYNN: "You are sad because things have changed and now there is so much competition." (reflection of feeling and paraphrase) JOAN: "Yes, that among other things." LYNN: "Okay, say more." (door opener) JOAN: "Well, Bob told me about his treatment for alcoholism one night when we were working late, sort of offhandedly. I even thought of him as a friend." LYNN: "You're afraid of his reaction when he finds out that you leaked the information." Need Assignment Help?