When Gregory Samuels joined the Alpha Corporation, he sat down with Linda Jensen

Question

When Gregory Samuels joined the Alpha Corporation, he sat down with Linda Jensen, the senior executive to whom he reported, to learn the goals of the organization, and to find out as specifically as possible what was expected of him. As the discussion progressed, Gregory became increasingly ill at ease. Ms. Jensen seemed reluctant to talk in specifics, and avoided sharing confidential information pertinent to Gregory’s position. As the discussion progressed and Gregory’s frustration grew, he asked Ms. Jensen about the new assignment his predecessor had been given. “Oh,” Ms. Jensen said with a sly grin, “He has joined the Dance of the Lemons.” “What do you mean?” asked Gregory. “Well,” said Ms. Jensen, “He was not performing effectively, so we moved him to another assignment.” “Will he do better there?” asked Gregory. “Who knows?” said Ms. Jensen, “But at least he’s out of my hair.” “Was there any particular reason why you assigned him to another position, rather than terminate him?” Gregory asked. “Oh, we seldom terminate senior employees. We just move them around the organization hoping we will find a place they will fit. All of us know these moves happen—we call it the Dance of the Lemons.” Sixty days later, after having located another position, Gregory resigned.

1. Why do you think Gregory resigned?

2. What would you have done under similar circumstances?

3. Does this case involve managerial ethic? Why or why not (Be sure to explain your answer using complete sentences)

Explanation / Answer

1. Mr. Gregory understood the responsibilites bestowed upon him during the conversation with Ms.Jensen, senior exec. He further understood that the company rotates its employees when they are not doing well in the current position. Ms.Jensen has explained him that as "Dance of the Lemons" and how his predecessor has been moved to other assignment.

Mr.Gregory might have given new assignment after sixty days as the senior management thinks he's not doing good in the current assignment and they seldom terminate anyone but rotates the position to find the fit. Mr.Gregory must have understood that he's been transferred due to his incompetency/ incompatibility to the role and may decipher the relocation as soft signal for dismissal and resigned.

2. As it was mentioned, the company seldom terminates any senior employee instead relocates him/her to new position. I would've stayed in the organisation and take up my new assignment as it's truly said that everyone may not be a right fit to the assignment given but can do better when he/she finds the assignment matches his/her competencies, thinking process.

3. Managerial ethics involve two areas of Principles and Policies. The current case neither involve the principles around which the organisation works, workplace boundaries nor policy based decisions. These relocation practices are unwritten commands to address the work place problems. I think relocating to new assignment to find right fit would help the organisation in long run, if implemented with positive energies.

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