Josh is searching for a general manager for the park venture. Although he and hi

Question

Josh is searching for a general manager for the park venture. Although he and his brother can handle the business on their own financially, they feel it might be better to have someone local to work the daily operations and develop the business. A local named Jon Leifsson has made an impression on him. He likes Jon because he is a talented gymnast who could promote the trampoline work. He is young and works hard according to his references.

However, there are things about Jon that Josh does not like. Jon has been late as much as 20 minutes for all their meetings. He comes casually dressed and groomed. Josh sometimes thinks Jon is asleep when he talks to him. Josh considers himself an understanding employer and some would say flexible especially when the circumstances warrant flexibility. At the same time, these traits make him see red (anger). It is obvious that Jon does not respect him.

Jon just recently had a baby with his wife Anna and is often up all night helping to take care of his new son. He falls asleep when he least expects it and can never seem to get up in the morning. He knows he has been late several times and that he has just thrown on clothes to get there. Jon had noticed Josh looking at his watch but is afraid to mention his late-night nanny effort to the American “cowboy.” Josh may think he is weak. Jon would love the job especially considering the added expense of a new baby.

Josh decided to confront Jon with the ultimatum of be on time, dress right or I’ll assume you are not interested in the position and I will look elsewhere.

Is this the right track for Josh to take with Jon?

Discuss the possible results that this course of action could have for Josh and why you came to this conclusion.

Given the class material on high and low cultures how would you suggest Josh handle the conflict and why it is the best option?

Explanation / Answer

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1. As per the situation, it is the right track for Josh to take with Jon in order to have a proper managerial control over Jon as an ultimatum would be a cause of concern for Jon which may bring him back on the track ensuring productivity and punctuality.

2. The could be 2 possible results that this course of action could have for Josh:-
- Jon may get back on track as needs this job much more than ever in order to handle the expenses of his child and may decide to work as per the norms i.e. being punctual, Properly dressed and have some respect for the employer.
- Jon may get angry and decides to leave the job, Which may not be the best scenario for Josh as it will require him to recruit another general manager for the park venture which will take a considerable amount of time.

I came to this conclusion that the human behavior is unpredictable and in this situation, both the employee and the employer are frustrated i.e. Jon with his new responsibility and Josh of not having a proper managerial control over his business and this may lead to 2 possible results mentioned above.
Whereas, The slacking employee(Jon) is dealing with the lack of consciousness and could be treated in a positive manner by making them feel comfortable by describing How his objectives and the business objectives share the same scope.

3. As High-Context cultures focus on the interpersonal relationship and is an implicit type of communication. Whereas the Low-culture heavily relies on the explicit communication. I would suggest Josh handle the conflict in a more positive manner while using the High-context culture as this may allow Jon to understand the concern of Josh of being lazy and late for work and would enable him to improve his performance.
Motivation is a great tool that can be used positively in this respect. It is seen that positive reinforcement of any positive behavior allows good working habits to be cultivated in the mind of the employee. Not only does this allow bad behavior to be rooted out. It allows a "worker to feel confident even when they are being criticised".

Using this pattern Josh can help his general manager i.e. Jon manage his time efficiently and reduce slacking and increase productivity.

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