Last year, George was preparing for his mother’s first visit to Canada. George had immigrated to Canada from Haiti six years earlier. His dream was for his mother to come to Canada to meet his new family and live with them. He had been working hard and saving money for many years to pay for his mother’s airfare. Finally, everything was coming together. His mother’s flight was booked, and a big celebration was planned to mark her arrival. George had arranged to leave work at lunchtime to pick his mother up at the airport and take her to his house, where the guests would be waiting. He had spent months planning the celebration and making the arrangements.

However, when the big day arrived, George’s boss handed him an assignment and told him he was not to leave until it was completed. When George described his plans, his boss cut him off and reminded him that the organization depended on employees to do whatever it takes to get the job done: “No excuses, George. You are not to leave until the job is done!” George had to arrange for a taxi to pick up his mother, and her welcome celebration took place without him. George did not get home until late in the evening. The guests had left, and his mother had gone to bed. George wondered why the assignment could not have waited until the next day, or why one of his co-workers couldn’t have done it.

1. What does this incident tell you about management and organizational behaviour at George’s organization?

2. How can organizational behaviour help to predict and explain the behaviour of George and his boss? What advice would you give to George and his boss in terms of managing organizational behaviour in the future?

3. What does this incident tell you about management and organizational behaviour?