CASE STUDY QUESTION

William is employed as an Accountant at a well-known industrial firm named KS Merchants. Currently, he is serving a probation period of 3 months to grab a full time permanent contract. William has been quite successful at his job from his prior work experiences, yet joined KS Merchants as he stated that "I did not receive positive working vibes from prior work atmosphere". From his prior expertise, William believed that he has learned enough about the in's and out's in order to survive in a big company.

William had been advised that the company is making an internal transfer from its other subsidiary to William's Department as the Finance Manager. The new manager therefore to whom William will report now is Kiara. She has proved her talent in another subsidiary for organizing and improving the efficiency of operations that has led her to so much success throughout her career. As the new Finance Manager, Kiara organized an induction ceremony with her team, she introduced herself to her new subordinates and asked each of them if they had any suggestions that would help make the Finance Department a better place to work.

Kiara approached William and he asked: "It seems to me that promotions are based on either working overtime or knowing who likes you and not from the quality of work we display, am I correct?". In reply, Kiara politely stated: "I will do everything that I can to see that what you are referring to has no place in my team." On the next day, upon arrival in office, William was called by Kiara in her office.

Upon meeting up with Kiara, she told William: "I will not tolerate individuals in this organization who are not good team players. Yesterday afternoon you led me to believe that there are people in this office who are not acting in the best interests of the company, and I want to know who. I want you to tell me the names of the managers you were referring to note, and keep me informed if you see anyone hurting this company, or I've got to think that maybe you are part of the problems around here." Stunned by both the tone and content of her statement, William quickly tried to think of a way to respond.

Required: Read the case scenario above and answer the questions that follow:

1. An employee's loyalty to a company can be based on either narrow or broad approach. Identify which approach is Kiara reflecting to? Justify your choice.

2. Discuss at least 3 ethical issues in the above case scenario.

3. William is found to be in workplace dilemma. What are the possible alternatives he can come up with to provide a response to Kiara?

4. William left his prior job and joined KS Merchants. From the case scenario above identify and discuss potential reasons that could have led William to take this step.

5. In William's case, can whistleblowing be a solution? Why or why not?

6. The case scenario shows that Kiara is using powers of her new position. Explain if there can be any practical constraints resulting from this?

7. Identify an example from the case scenario and explain how it contributes to a positive work atmosphere.