Exam 1: Case Study AnalysisYou have been assigned an Ivey Cases that involve some element of human resources issues.  Questions for which you need to incorporate the answers into your overall analysi

Martha Rinaldi: Should She Stay or Should She Go?

Assignment Questions

1. How did Rinaldi get into this mess?

2. Could she have done anything differently?

3. What should she do now? Please be specific.

4. Identify the interdependencies among the relevant parties. Who is dependent on whom and for what? Whose cooperation is needed? Whose compliance?

5. Determine the sources of power of the relevant parties.

6. Analyze the relevant differences (in terms of goals, values, stakes, and working styles) among the interdependent parties. What are the underlying factors that have created or are reinforcing those differences (e.g., differences in career backgrounds, incentive plans, information)? How might these differences lead to other assumptions or perceptions about the current situation? Around what issues can you expect conflict?

7. Analyze the broader context. How much potential for political conflict exist?There are usually clusters of interests within organizations: Where are the major alliances? The major rivalries? Are there any precipitating factors (in this regard, it is especially important to consider any areas in which the organization is undergoing major changes)? Are there any prevention factors (make sure to consider the organization's culture)? How are key players likely to respond to conflict? Will their response most likely lead to constructive or destructive consequences?

8. Periodically update the diagnosis. Power dynamics are just that-dynamic.

Additional Questions (Diagnosis)

1. What is Follet’s contribution? What is going on with her?

2. What is Vaughan’s contribution? What is going on with him?

3. What is Rinaldi’s contribution?

1. 1. Why is Rinaldi behaving this way?

   2. Did Rinaldi deserve the performance appraisal from Follet?

   3. How would you describe Rinaldi’s influence style? What influence tactics did she use?

   4. What are Rinaldi’s sources of power?

   5. What were the critical events or “choice points” Rinaldi encountered over her six months at Potomac Waters? What could she have done differently?