B. J. and Shawn worked in different units of a large organization. B. J. had been with the company for about two years and worked in an entry-level position; positive performance reviews resulted in pay raises and increased levels of responsibility but no promotion. Shawn had been with the company for over ten years and managed a growing division.The two, both of whom were interested in physical fitness, had no real interaction until they joined a new health club near their homes. Over the next several months, their common interest outside the office led to conversations at work. People began to notice, and when B. J. applied for and was hired for a supervisory position in Shawn’s division, people began to talk.“It’s office politics,” they said. One person commented,

“B. J. didn’t earn that promotion. At least six people in Shawn’s division are more qualified.

B. J. was hired just because of their friendship. Shawn didn’t even know who B. J. was until they met at that health club. I heard that B. J. joined that health club because several managers belonged.” Was the meeting between B. J. and Shawn coincidence or strategy? Was their friendship genuine or contrived? Did Shawn hire B. J. because of qualifications or friendship? Was the promotion a function of networking? office politics? neither? both? (Objective 3)