10. Reflecting back to the chapter opening “A Supervision Challenge” case, consider the issue of diversity at PepsiCo. Begin by acknowledging that the members of your group may have different opinions on this subject. List the ways in which members of your group are diverse. Does it include several ethnic or racial groups and both sexes? Different age groups’? How else are you “diverse”? As you continue the discussion, consider whether group members’ different life experiences will help them see the situation in different ways, and try to listen carefully, especially to perspectives that are different from your own. Ideally, this process will help you understand the situations within companies more fully.

Discuss how Generation Y/Millennial workers’

desire for engagement and meaningful work affects a supervisor’s job. (You might also consider whether the statements about young workers are valid, and why or why not.) What might be harder about supervising such employees? What might be easier?

When an employee demonstrates challenging behavior, what is the underlying cause and motivation?

Does accommodating differences in age-related values make business sense? Ethical sense?

Prepare a list of recommendations your group can agree on for supervising young workers. Then identify any suggested recommendations your group could not agree on.