Unit 6: Case Study

• Due Sunday by 11:59pm
• Points 40
• Submitting a file upload

Introduction

A case study analysis requires that you investigate a business problem, examine the possible and/or alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence.

• Read and examine the case carefully.
• Focus on the issues/problems.
• Brainstorm possible solutions or changes that need to be made.
• Select the best solution with reasoning.

Unit Learning Outcomes

• Identify ways to manage conflict through change (CLO 3, CLO 4, and CLO 5).
• Contrast approaches for resolving conflict (CLO 5).
• Analyze ethical leadership (CLO 2 and CLO 3).

Case Summary – 11.1 Office Space

• • • A change in office space and office environment led to considerable conflict between five co-workers in a web programming department. Due to a company relocation, a web programming department was forced to change from an open-space environment to a row of cubicles in a much smaller office.Martin, the web programming team leader had the opportunity to choose the order of where the programmers would be stationed within the row. He chose to order himself in the first cubicle, and down the line, Rosa, Sanjay, Kris, and Bradley. He had reasons for this arrangement; Bradley had the most equipment out of any of the programmers, and he wanted Bradley to be at the end with the most space. Also, Rosa and Kris spent a significant amount of time speaking to each other, and Martin figured by putting Sanjay between them, he could limit the amount of time spent on conversation.Unfortunately, Martin never shared his justification for assignments with his colleagues, which created significant conflict. First, Bradley wanted a cubicle with a window and a position next to Martin, since they work together on a significant number of projects. Next, Sanjay’s mood changes, as he is in between Rosa and Kris and cannot focus when they speak over him to each other. Subsequently, this has caused Rosa and Kris to leave their cubicles to converse with each other, taking more time than they used to when they were sitting together, which has impacted both of their productivity. All the while, this has upset Bradley, who feels slighted because the other programmers are being rewarded while he is stuck in a cubicle that he does not want. Because of this, Bradley will only speak and communicate to Martin when he absolutely needs something.Martin is now in a position where he must decide what to do. He can’t understand that the cohesive team that he used to lead can’t get along over their cubicle assignments.

Directions

1. Read the full case study in the textbook: Case 11.1 Office Space.
2. Answer the case study discussion questions.
3. Submit your work for review.

Case Study Questions

• 1. How would you describe the conflict that has arisen between the members of the web programming department?
  2. Using Fisher and Ury’s method of principled negotiation, how would you separate the people from the problem? What are the main issues in this conflict?
  3. Using the Kilmann and Thomas conflict styles, how would you characterize each of their conflict styles (Martin, Sanjay, Bradley, Rose, and Kris)?

Case Study Requirements

• Full points will be earned if the case study(s):
  • responds to every aspect of the assignment
  • contains fully developed answers
  • displays a familiarity with the related materials and topics being referenced
• Exhibit the ability to apply the related concepts to the case study.
• Each question warrants a response that is well developed and is well-formatted.
• At least one page in length, typed, and double spaced.
• All cited material must include both internal citations and a complete reference list at the end of the paper.

Due Date

• Submit by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, CT.

Rubric

Case Study Rubric