1. Write a 400-word reflection on the situation described in the case.

1.1. Link it to the chapter of Organizational Behavior and Key Competencies.

CASE STUDY

Social Events at the Workplace: A Mandatory or Optional Activity? Case prepared by Abderrahman HASSI Judy, a young technician from the countryside, has recently been hired to work at a large division of a federal department in a metropolitan city. She is a very reserved and calm individual and is not particularly keen on attending social activities at work. Since starting her new job, almost two years ago, she has managed to never participate in Christmas parties, potlucks, golf tournaments, etc. Her former manager respected Judys somewhat reserved and introverted character and never really bothered her about it. However, her new manager, Sarah, doesnt seem able to let things go and continuously insists that all her team members attend social events. The last activity of the year, a bowling game and a dinner with the team, is scheduled to take place in two weeks. Judy has yet to confirm her participation even though she received an email last week. After taking a quick look over the daily calendars of each member of her team, Sarah abruptly went to see Judy in her office to inquire why she still hadnt accepted the invitation in her agenda and to confirm her attendance at the planned social event. Sarah: Judy, did you receive my email regarding the bowling event planned for next Friday? I sent it out two weeks ago and havent seen it confirmed in your calendar. Judy: Yes, I did, but I am still a little hesitant and havent decided yet. I will confirm soon. Sarah: Why the hesitation, whats the problem now? It will be very nice for you to spend some time with colleagues. Well go bowling all afternoon and then go out for dinner at a lovely little Greek restaurant downtown they have a great Zorba show on Friday evenings. And then anyone who wants to continue the evening together can go on to have a good time at a pub or caf! Judy: Im quite sure that spending time with colleagues is always a great time but the thing is Sarah, these sorts of activities are just not for me! Sarah: Look, you can bring your partner if thats the issue. 1 Abderrahman Hassi is affiliated with Algonquin College, Ottawa, Canada.

Social Events at the Workplace: A Mandatory or Optional Activity? HEC Montral 2 Judy: I presume you know very little about some of your employees; in fact, I recently moved to the city from the countryside. I am single and have no family or friends in the region and Im still getting adjusted to the culture shock of living in such a fast-paced environment. Sarah: OK then, all the more reason to come and get to know other colleagues from other divisions and branches. You dont necessarily have to bring anyone. Judy: I think you and the others have clearly noticed that I am shy and reserved; its virtually impossible for me to approach people. These kinds of events put me in an awkward situation. Its nothing personal, but I just wouldnt be comfortable around this environment. I will pass on this one Sarah. Thank you just the same for the invitation. Sarah: By the way Judy, Ive been meaning to point out a few little issues we need to work on. Ive recently observed that you appear to have an uneasiness working with your team members and that you tend struggle with oral presentations. At the last symposium, I found that you didnt make good use of eye contact and gestures and you appeared to be a little distant from the audience for the whole 20 minutes! Presumably this is due to a lack of good interpersonal skills. Our social activities are excellent opportunities for you to get to know your colleagues, to seriously focus a little more on team building and perhaps to do something about that shyness of yours. Judy: Excuse me Sarah, but let us get some clarity on this: is it mandatory to attend these social activities? Are they actual parts of my tasks and responsibilities? I didnt see these clauses in my official employment contract. Sarah: Even though they may not have been explicitly included in your contract, they are very important. In fact, there are scientific studies that show that good interpersonal skills at work have a significant impact on respecting deadlines and encouraging a good working environment. Judy: I am not questioning the importance of social activities. But I dont necessarily agree with the connection between the points mentioned. Sarah: I strongly recommend that you consider the consequences of regularly refusing to take part in team-oriented events. Judy: What exactly are these consequences youre referring to? Sarah: First of all, your colleagues wouldnt be comfortable discussing or requesting information openly with you and this will ultimately have an impact on relations and team performance. Id like you to work on that and concentrate on how to become a good team player.

Social Events at the Workplace: A Mandatory or Optional Activity? HEC Montral 3 Judy: That was a loaded statement! Im not a bad team player, nor are performance problems documented in my reviews! In fact, I think your theory may be inaccurate, because although I havent attended any social activities since I took up my current position, my performance has been far above average; just take a moment and look over my reviews and youll see. So, Sarah, the supposed correlation between attending all these semi-imposed social activities and work performance that you refer to wouldnt make any sense at all! Sarah: Judy, as one of my employees, Im talking to you from extensive experience, with references from scientific findings. We will definitely have to do something about your interpersonal skills if we are going to get along well. Judy: Look Sarah, are you insisting that I attend social activities because everyone is there to party? Listen to me well please: I am paid to come here and do my job, not to party and socialize with colleagues! And for your information, theres absolutely nothing else to do about it! If you want to organize team-building sessions, you should plan them around our working hours at the office. Otherwise, do not include me in these regularly planned out-of-work events. In my world, work is one thing and my personal and family life is another. So please note that I will not entertain this sort of thing, not now or at any other time in the future!