In recent weeks, Out of Africa Attorneys has decided to make renovations to the building they currently
Question:
In recent weeks, Out of Africa Attorneys has decided to make renovations to the building they currently occupy in order to keep up with the fast-paced nature and growth of their business. This is also in order to update the firm's overall aesthetic, to create a greater appeal to prospective clients, and in doing so, increase the likelihood of walk-ins (as their current client base is solely as a result of referrals and word-of-mouth).
Part of this renovation process includes removing the current paving outside the firm's offices using a jackhammer and laying down new paving. As the construction team is required to work during the day, the noise from the jackhammer permeates the office building, disturbing Out of Africa Attorneys' workforce. This hammering has made concentration impossible and thus reduced productivity among the employees. A large part of this is due to employees being unable to hear one another (as well as their clients), and some employees experiencing adverse health effects such as ringing in their ears by the end of the work day. Employees have also found concentration difficult because of the temperature in the office. Due to the firm becoming increasingly technologically based, and utilising a large amount of electronic devices (such as laptops, desktop computers, switchboards, and the like), the air conditioning in the building has been set at 12C to keep all of the equipment cool and prevent it from overheating. As a result of this, the employees shiver and are cold throughout the workday, as the office dress code prohibits wearing anything other than suits and business attire.
The construction workers hired by Out of Africa Attorneys also face issues of their own. The majority of their work is to be done outside in the heat of the Durban sun. Although the workers are provided with hard hats, these do not offer much protection from the heat and effects of the sun. This is especially because most of the workers either wear vests or shirts with short sleeves because of the heat, thereby exposing even more of their skin to the sun. A majority of the workers have already suffered painful sunburn due to the long working hours spent outside. A few of the workers have also started noticing issues with their vision, which have also been a result of overexposure to the sunlight.
QUESTION 2 (50 MARKS)
As an intern, Callan is dealing with how to cope with work-related stress due to a number of influencing factors. This has caused him to turn to substance use. One of the senior members of the firm has also displayed problematic and violent behaviour.
2.1 Explain and provide solutions for five factors contributing to Callan's work-related stress. Your answer should make reference to the information provided in the case study. (20 MARKS)
2.2 Use the control strategies provided in the case study for dealing with workplace violence, as well as the effects of drugs and alcohol, to address Callan's issues at Out of Africa Attorneys.
a) Use the four-point action plan to recommend a plan to manage the senior member's violent behavior. Your answer should make reference to the case study, as well as clearly state your conclusion on their behaviour. (20 MARKS)
2.2 b) Suggest a plan of action to address Callan's substance use, and support your answer using evidence from the case study. Your answer should clearly indicate your conclusion on the seriousness of Callan's behaviour. (10 MARKS)
Data Analysis and Decision Making
ISBN: 978-0538476126
4th edition
Authors: Christian Albright, Wayne Winston, Christopher Zappe