TENSION IN THE WORKPLACE "This cannot go on! Every time we tell the workgroup about new production targets or the need for higher quality products, that trouble-maker Zeke Lindsay talks them out of it!" The frustration of the supervisor, Kiera Morgan, was showing in her voice. She had warned Zeke several times about his tactic of always chatting to the group after every new instruction was given. Zeke managed to convince the workers to refuse or accept the instructions. The trouble started several years back when Zeke lost his job as team leader after taking a day off when his son was being born. As team leader, Zeke was very outgoing and friendly with the workers. They liked him and they had found him to be very dependable and responsible. Andrew Tarranto was now the team leader, but he was not very friendly with the workers. He was reserved, very logical and was keen on following whatever instructions had been given. He was really only interested in doing his own job. As result, the workers mainly ignored him. The rules regarding taking time off for family reasons had changed since Zeke's experience. Kiera discussed the problem with her own manager, Bob. He was in favour of meeting Zeke to discuss whether he would be interested in taking up a position as training officer for new workers. "He has so much influence over his work mates that we could use this to our advantage we could ask him to establish training targets and methods," Bob said. "Alternatively, we could just give him his old job as team leader back." Kiera wanted to see the back of Zeke for good. She said, "We should make an example of him and give him a formal warning which should lead, eventually, to him being asked to go." QUESTION 1 (a) Zeke's behaviour could be described as organizational political behaviour. Which type of political behaviour (legitimate or illegitimate) would you say he has engaged in. Using evidence from the case, explain your answer. (4 marks) (b) Explain ONE (1) individual factor that could be causing Zeke's political behaviour. (3 marks) QUESTION 2 (a) With reference to the conflict process, carefully explain ONE (1) possible source that seems to be creating the conflict between Zeke and Kiera. Use evidence from the case to support your answer. (4 marks) (b) Is this conflict between Zeke and Kiera desirable for the organization? Explain using one(1) reason for your answer. (4 marks) QUESTION 3 Describe how Bob should use the Negotiation process to handle the conflict between Kiera and Zeke. (15 marks) TOTAL 30 MARKS KCC/OB/Coursework Test Unit 8 2023-2024