Is it the Boss' job to put out fires as they emerge or prevent them?
The CFOs in attendance used the attached case study as a backdrop to this question. Each table gave their own perspective.
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- Keywords
- business, human resources, international, management, culture
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Table 1 (Private Equity CFOs)responded: She should approach them. Given the competition starting relatively close to the practice is a factor. She should show the ad to personnel and use it as the mechanism to opening the discussion. Based on the example used in this case study the consensus at this table was to create a competitive environment to open the dialogue with this employer. Do you think this is a good way to approach an employer?
Table 2 (Entertainment CFOs) responded: Similar take as table 1 but joked about a more aggressive approach – but also spoke about major themes. One, there is a perceived value in the way that employees were being valued/compensated – US mindset approach is that Compensation means appreciated – This does not always mean valued contributor – This could be resolved by considering cultural differences, in this case it is Japanese –
Do you agree that this is the US mindset?
Table 3 – In deference to Tables 1&2 -- this Table had market research and tech CFOs – Vivian’s elder taught her that the ‘grass is greener on the other side of the fence – Dr. A looked concerned when he saw the ad – Vivian should ask Dr. A – what about the ad is concerning you? This would draw out the type of dialogue that allows Dr. A to take the lead –allows him to feel good about himself but allows her to have humility she needs given her cultural background – This Q&A would be effective way to get Dr. A and Vivian to collaborate – It would also lead to discussion on value of Japanese assistants – effective way for Vivian to ‘guide’ the conversation through Q&A.
What do you think?
Table 4 (Professional Services CFOs)– Looked at it through a cultural standpoint. They Felt that Vivian should approach Dr. A and focus on the cultural differences – address/explain – and joked about How - Attend a Lecture? Hire a Consultant? Use the ad to bring it to Dr A.’s office and explain the difference – advertising for business vs. advertising for employees – Clearly someone needs to point out the discomfort amongst Japanese employees.
Table 5 (Not for Profit CFOs)– Communication in the office may not be happening. The Drs. Want to take care of the employees but may not be aware of the issues – ***BEST Solution --Vivian should speak up but rather than approach it directly, first get consensus amongst coworkers –then raise issues as a group – if that does not work, get their buy-in for her to act as representative for them. Critical point – If she goes to bosses on her own she risks being alienated by the Japanese for being a ‘snitch.’ -- maybe the spokesperson should be Vivian – maybe it should be the longest-tenured Japanese woman.
Who do you think should be the one that approaches the boss? The employee with the voiced issue or a supervisor?
Table 6 (Business Services)- They Felt that she should approach her bosses – her advantage is that her husband is American so she has the ability to draw from that in communicating experiences – Dr. A’s monetary approach is an American approach – but this is more a job satisfaction issue – not compensation – respect for them in their positions – menial vs glamorous jobs. Address this issue. ‘ Always make them think that it was their idea.’ Agreed?