Discussion Post I
Amanda works as an assistant manager at a popular retail store. She joined the company 7 years ago as a cashier and worked her way up the ladder. Her colleagues believe that one of her best qualities is working with people. She has often been seen walking around the shelves, meeting her staff listening their concerns and helping customers solving their problems. She is a good communicator and is excellent with managing her time. Overall, she is an asset for the company.
Challenges: Over the last 2 years, the covid-19 pandemic has posted a variety of challenges for Amanda and her company. In 2020, the store was shut down for 2 weeks due to a covid outbreak. Five of the eight staff were sick with the virus and the store was asked to close until things improve. The general manager wrote to Amanda to investigate the details and she realized that she was a bit careless with some of mandatory covid reporting. Amanda also felt pressured to write several reports to the senior management to explain what happened and how these incidents could have been avoided. She often boxed herself in her office and not speak to any of her colleagues. Remembering now, "it was the most awful time I ever had in my life" she said to one of her friends. She admits that she thought of quitting.
i. Based on the above information, what kind of personality Amanda had before the pandemic? Explain your answer with other examples from your experience/observation.
ii. What are Amanda's strengths and weaknesses? How would you suggest Amanda improves her performance during these challenging times?
Discussion Post II
John and Jessie run a small boutique out of downtown Peterborough. They started as a small booth 10 years ago, but now own a decent 1000 square feet showroom and have hired 3 employees to help them with their business. One of their employees George, who looks after the business when they are away, have recently been showing some signs of dissatisfaction. He was overheard discussing with the other employees that how his salary was lower than the industry average and they get limited medical benefits as part of their compensation package. His attitude towards work was also changing. During one of the busiest days of business, he decided to go out to see some friends and returned after 2 hours. John and Jessie suspect that he might be looking for other jobs and used the "friends" excuse to attend to an interview. They are not sure what to do as this is the first time in their professional career that someone they have trusted with management responsibilities is behaving like this.
Given your understanding of motivation theories discussed in class, how would you help John and Jessie deal with George? Is there any specific theory that you will ask them to adapt? Explain your answer with examples that how a specific theory can benefit John and Jessie.
Discussion Post III
Alberto runs a small but very successful coffee shop inside a busy mall in Peterborough. His wife and he run this coffee shop 7 days a week from 11 am to 8 pm. Other shop owners at the mall love their coffee and have become loyal customers of their business. Sonia, who runs a chain of flower shops in several malls, including theirs, have approached them with an idea to expand their business to other malls in the area. She claims to have a lot of connections with financial intermediaries who may be able to help fund the expansion. In fact, she promises to share with Alberto, the financial information and business proposal prepared by one of her competitors who successfully applied for a loan few months ago. According to her, she is best friends with Caroline who is working for a local bank as a manager and can help them get the required amount even without any documentation. She is asking for a promise to pay 5% of the loan amount to her as "fees" for her services.
i. Given your understanding of the business ethics, what is your advice to Alberto and his wife? Explain with reference to the moral leadership concept that we discussed in class.
ii. Relate the above scenario using the front-page, personal gains, and the good night's sleep tests. What are your thoughts?
The response should include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.