Introduction
Facing an unexpected conflict in one of his team, Alaji Babatunde, a senior customer care manager at a software company needs to solve a problem, challenging the rectitude of a business decision he took after a long period of deliberation. The escalating crisis is threatening the chemistry and most of all the integrity of his department. Decisions need to be taken quickly in order to prevent the negative impact, but a deeper look into the company reveals managerial practices that could have influenced the chain of events.
Problem Description
In a effort to cope with a growing number of employees in his product line support team, Alaji Babatunde, a fresh MBA graduate from Darden, senior technical support manager at Vidsoft, decided to promote one of his staff on a managerial position, introducing an additional layer of management between him and his team. This business-wise decision however generated a conflict between the promoted employee and another team member. Dealing with a mix of group dynamics issues, prejudice and multicultural background issues, Babatunde had to make decisions that will have repercussions not only on the conflicting teammates, but at the whole group he manages. Understanding the conflict’s causes and implications, possible solutions will allow Alaji not only to overcome the problem, but also to avoid such impediments in the future.
Starring
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
William Shakespeare, As You Like It Act 2, scene 7, 139–143
The Ancient Greek Theater was built on two main types of plays – Comedy and Tragedy. What we have as a case here can easily c ...