Workplace Aggression Introduction This case explores the gray area of workplace aggression. The scenario shows an employ

[answerhappygod]

Workplace Aggression Introduction This case explores the grayarea of workplace aggression. The scenario shows an employeereporting possible instances of workplace harassment to heremployer. Scenario Description Overview Glenn Lamar, ManagingDirector of PaperKlip Office Supplies, is conducting a grievancemeeting with Gloria Westfield, a senior executive. She has reportedfeeling physically threatened by a male subordinate. During themeeting various things occur: the male subordinate, John DiMaggio,knocks on the door and requests permission to participate havinglearned the meeting was about him. Profile Glenn Lamar, ManagingDirector, has been with PaperKlip Office Supplies for 23 years andhas been the Managing Director of North American Operations forseven years. Gloria Westfield, Senior Executive, was made a seniorexecutive at the Company after being poached from a competitor fouryears ago. Her recruitment was the first senior-level appointmentof a woman from outside the firm. John DiMaggio, Middle Manager, isa middle manager who has been with the Company for almost eightyears. Although not particularly ambitious, John was not impressedby the appointment of an “unknown” woman above him. Backstory Inthe last month, there have been four instances of what Westfielddescribes as threatening behavior from DiMaggio: On multipleoccasions, DiMaggio has entered Westfield’s office withoutknocking, walked right up to her desk, and hovered closely over hercomputer monitor before even uttering a word. In response, she hasexpressed her dislike of being interrupted in this way, andreminded him of common etiquette and company procedures, whichrequire employees first to knock and then to request entry.DiMaggio’s response has been that office protocol doesn’t apply andthere is no need to pull rank. Three weeks ago, Westfield was onher way to an important meeting, when DiMaggio blocked her progressdown the corridor under the pretext of quizzing her about a salesreport. She suggested if it were dire, DiMaggio should come to heroffice later, as she had an important meeting to attend at thatmoment. DiMaggio wouldn’t budge his intimidating frame, so, toavoid a confrontation, Westfield back-tracked towards the stairwayrather use the elevators. In another instance, when Westfield triedto circumvent DiMaggio who was blocking her way down the hall,pressing her for details about bonus schedules, he grabbed her bythe arm and glared, “You can’t brush me off. Answer the questionand then you can go.” By luck, another colleague passed by andDiMaggio let go. Westfield has received a barrage of anonymousphone calls, where the caller calls incessantly but hangs up aftertwo rings or, when Westfield has picked up, slammed the receiverdown at the other end. Westfield feels convinced that the phonecalls are coming from DiMaggio, but without proof she has donenothing to confront him and has held off, until this meeting,telling a superior. Overall, PaperKlip Office Supplies ismale-dominated, and Westfield feels sexism is prevalent. At times,it has been suggested that she looks far too feminine for theworkplace (although her way of dressing is always businesslike),with the intimation that it detracts from her professionalism. Inmeetings, her voice is not so readily heard as those of her malecounterparts and reference is often made to her superior“homemaking abilities” such as pouring water or organizingschedules. Most conspicuous, in its absence, has been the company’swillingness to recognize Westfield’s considerable merit to the firmby way of promotion or bonuses. In fact, she has continually beenpassed over for promotion in favor of her male colleagues. SceneSetup Lamar has a scheduled grievance meeting with Westfield, whoreports being physically threatened by DiMaggio. During themeeting, DiMaggio requests permission to join the conversation.Scene Location Lamar’s office. The Meeting—Summary Westfield hasasked Lamar for a grievance meeting to report her concerns with hersubordinate, John DiMaggio. Westfield outlines for Lamar some ofthe behaviors she has experience with DiMaggio such as officeintrusions and hallway confrontations. During the meeting, Lamartakes notes, compliments Westfield on her work for the company, andtries to understand the situation completely by asking follow-upquestions. He presents possible outcomes to Westfield that DiMaggiomay face. However, during the meeting DiMaggio, knocks on the doorand barges in since he learned they were having a meeting abouthim. Westfield gets even more upset, while Lamar pleads for him toleave. Eventually, he leaves and Westfield and Lamar plan the nextcourse of action. Afterthoughts—Summary Lamar believes the meetingwent well. However, he recognizes that even he was uncomfortablewhen DiMaggio intruded. He respects DiMaggio as a worker, yetthinks his actions were out of line. Lamar is not clear on whyDiMaggio has an issue with Westfield but plans to document thesituation. He may also bring up the scenario for discussion at thenext meeting of managers. Case Discussion Questions 1. SinceWestfield is DiMaggio’s boss, why doesn’t she just directlyconfront him about her feelings?