Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

00
1 Approved Answer

Karl Smith is in his third year at the University of the West Indies. He has taken a summer job in a factory in Kingston.

image text in transcribed Karl Smith is in his third year at the University of the West Indies. He has taken a summer job in a factory in Kingston. He was told to report to the warehouse supervisor the first day of work. The supervisor assigned him to a small group of workers who were responsible for loading and unloading the carts that supplied the materials and carried away the finished goods of the factory. After two weeks on the job, Karl was amazed at how little work the workers in his crew accomplished. It seemed that they were forever standing around and talking or, in some cases, even going off to hide when there was work to be done. Karl often found himself alone unloading a cart while the other members of the crew were off messing around somewhere else. When Karl complained to his co-workers, they made it very plain that if he did not like it, he could quit, but if he complained to the supervisor, he would be sorry. Although Karl had been deliberately excluded from any of the crew's activities, such as taking breaks together or having a Friday afternoon beer after work at the bar across the street, yesterday he went up to one of the older members of the crew and said, "What's up with you guys anyway? I am just trying to do my job. The money is good but I just don't give a hoot about this place. I will be leaving to go back to school in a few weeks. I wish I could have gotten to know you all better but frankly I am sure glad I'm not like you guys." The older worker replied, "Son, if you'd been here as long as I have, you would be just like us." i. Explain two (2) possible reasons for the formation of this work crew. (4 marks) ii. Identify and define one formal and one informal group evident in the case. Use evidence from the case to support your answer. (6 marks) iii. Why hasn't Karl been accepted by the group? (2 marks) iv. Discuss how the norms of this crew have encouraged deviant workplace behaviour. (7 marks) v. Even though this crew may be described as being an ineffective work team, discuss two (2) reasons why the crew seems to be cohesive. Use evidence from the case to support your answer. (6 marks)

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access with AI-Powered Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Intermediate Accounting IFRS

Authors: Donald E. Kieso, Jerry J. Weygandt, Terry D. Warfield

3rd edition

978-1119372936

Students also viewed these General Management questions