PART B (40 marks)

Compulsory.

Ms. Deepika has been supervising eight accounting clerks in the budget and planning department of a paper company, namely ABC Paper Mills. Assam. Though none of the clerks had earned certificate in the charted accountancy, but all were quite skilled in handling records and figures. They primarily prepared budgetary plans and analyses for various operating departments of mill. The required data inputs were secured from the departments and mills records. Deepika has been assigning projects to the clerks on the absis of their interest and skill acquired. Some projects. were more desirable than others because of prestige, challenge, the contacts required, or other factors. Thus, there were sometimes occasional conflicts over which one clerk was to receive a desirable project. But one clerk who seemed especially eager and sensitive and regularly complained about this issue was Ms. Raji.

Meantime, Deepika received a desirable project and assigned it to Ms. Narayana depending on his proven skill and competency. This time Raji was particularly distressed because she felt she should have had this assignment/ desirable project. She was so distressed that she immediately retaliated by gathering up her present assignment and putting it away in her desk. Then, she took a magazine from her bad and started reading it. All

other seven clerks being sitting in the same room. most of them observed Mr. Deepika's actions. Very soon, she announced to Ms. Ruby, who was sitting by Raji's righ hand side, in a voice loud enough to be heard by others. "Nobody around here ever gives me a desirable / good project."

Mr. Deepika clearly overheard Raji's comment and looked up from her cabin, noting what was happening. Deepika was electrified with the anger. Somehow, she controlled herself and sat on her seat for about five minues wondering what to do. Meanwhile, Ms. Raji continued reading her magazine.

Questions:

(a) In your opinion, what leadership issues are raised in this case incident?

(b) Discuss what actions Deepkia should take. Consider the pathgoal model of leadership before making your decision.