Transcript

CEO: Thanks for meeting with me today. I asked Calvin to join us today just to make sure we are complying with Indian labor laws. We are having some conflict among the managers and employees, and I don't quite understand it all.

Legal: No problem. Glad to help.

CEO: What I'm hearing is that we can't use our normal performance evaluations to promote employees to managerial positions. Apparently, some employees are frustrated that some of the managers are younger than they are. They believe it is the result of discrimination, and they feel embarrassed at reporting to a younger person. It's not everyone, but just enough employees that we've had some conflict.

Legal: Obviously we are concerned about the age discrimination issue, but we also want to maintain our standards for promotion. I have done some research and we are legally covered to continue to use our performance evaluations and award promotions based on merit. We do need to have someone communicate this, however, and address employees' concerns.

CEO: We were thinking that you would be the best person for this. You could travel to Bangalore and have some kind of training or workshop with the employees about the system. You would explain the performance evaluation system and how they can be promoted. You would also address their concerns about seniority and age.

Legal: Obviously, to make sure we are complying with all relevant laws and regulations, I would like to see a draft of your presentation before you travel.

CEO: Yes, and please include some background information so I can fully understand the cultural context our employees in Bangalore are operating in and differences from our organizational culture. I hope that when these employees understand our organizational culture, they can respect our emphasis on equity and performance-based promotion.

1. First, a one-page brief explaining the source of conflict and the cultural dimensions behind it.

Then, slides to provide employees with information about Parlatech's performance-based promotion system (as you envision it). Your presentation should clearly : 

2. Identify characteristics of organizational and societal culture, explain the conflict,

1. 3. Discuss the relevant differences in cultural values behind the conflict, and describe how Parlatech will implement your performance-based system that prioritizes equity and rewarding high performance.

4. Support your explanations and your promotion system with evidence from your readings and/or other research.