BUSS 3050 Organisational Leadership

section CCase Studies

Case study 3

Michael Scott, the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin Inc., is going to conduct an annual employee award ceremony, the Dundies. The corporate does not support the event because Michael has spent all the money in the previous events. However, he still hosts the Dundies at Chilli's, which is filled with inappropriate titles for awards and offensive stereotypical behaviour demonstrated by him. For instance, Ryan is embarrassed when Michael awardshim "Hottest in the Office" and Pam wins an award about "Whitest Sneakers". Most of the employees are not really happy nor enjoy at the party.

• Questions

Q1: The "Dundies" is designed to encourage the employees to engage in their work. However, it seems that people do not quite enjoy the party (at least in the very beginning). What's wrong with party? Please use one motivation theory to justify your answer. To organise your answer, please explain

[1] the theory you use (3 marks) and

[2] why Michael conducts the party in a wrong way.

Q2. Apparently, Michael does not design "The Dundies" in a perfect way. How could "The Dundies" be improved? More specifically, how does Michael improve it based on the theoretical perspective? To organise your answer, please explain

[1] what theory you would like to use and

[2] how he can improve the party based on the theory .