Arun Aggarwal supervises eight Packers, Machine Operators,and operator helpers in a plastics plant. He is 26 years old, and has been with the company for years. He was promoted twice to arrive at his position. His Production Manager- Tony Juneja, considers him to be a “pretty good” Supervisor, and Arun has the respect of his subordinates.
Anil Sharma is a full-time packer. He is 60 years old, and has been with the company in that job for three years. He was considered for a lead position in the department last year, but was not chosen because there was a candidate with better qualifications for the job. Sharma has never expressed any dissatisfaction with this decision. In the last several months, Anil Sharma has been experiencing tardiness and absenteeism problems, but never enough to justify more than a mild verbal warning from Arun Aggarwal. Workers on that shift know that Anil Sharma has a drinking problem. In fact, the relations between Anil Sharma and Arun Aggarwal over the past couple of months have been deteriorating.
Arun is aware that Sharma’s tardiness and absenteeism are probably due to his drinking. He has been trying to remedy the situation by counseling Sharma, and has issued him a verbal warning. This has not changed Sharma’s behaviour, although he has promised to “mend his ways.”
On Wednesday, Arun Aggarwal learned that his shift will have to work four hours overtime-on Saturday- due to scheduling demands. On Saturday morning, at the beginning of shift, everyone shows for work except Sharma. Arun calls him at home and is told by Sharma that “I can’t come in- I have a bad headache.”
Arun consults with his Manager on Monday, and is told: “Tom, I want you to solve this problem.” Arun leaves Tony Juneja’s office, feeling he does not get his Manager’s support.
Arun confronted Sharma on Monday morning, telling him that his absenteeism is causing a problem with others, and is slowing production. Ledesma tells him, “I don’t have to come in on Saturdays, especially when I’m sick.” This conversation continues for another 20 minutes, with no solution. For the rest of the week, Sharma shows up for work on time.
On Friday morning, Arun Aggarwal distributes weekly paychecks. Anil Sharma collects his check, but has the smell of alcohol on his breath. Arun Aggarwal tells Anil Sharma he will issue a written warning. Anil Sharma threatens Arun with physical harms if he gets a warning in his file. Arun Aggarwalthen goes to Tony Juneja, and expressed his concern about this threat. Juneja takes note of it, and tells Arun to “… resolve this once for all.”
It is now Friday afternoon. Tensions on the shift have been high. Everyone knows there’s trouble between Anil Sharma and Arun Aggarwal. Wooley decides to go to Human Resources Specialist and look for help there.
Questions:
1. Describe the situation where the leadership failed in the company?
2. Identify the main causes of the problems.
3. What leadership styles can best use to resolve this issue?
4. What is your reasoning for this strategy?
