Maple Leaf Shoes Ltd.

Executive Summary

Jane Reynolds, the head of the human resource department at Maple Leaf Shoes Ltd, was paid a visit in her office by one of the employees, Mr. Wang, who was part of a team that was in charge of an upcoming project. Mr. Wang, a Korean, wanted to be transferred to another location. This came as a surprise to Jane as she had not seen it coming. As a good manager, she asked Wang for the reason that led him to make that particular decision.

Mr. Wang was a member of a four-member team. Jeff was a finance major and had experience in new project teams. He also had the highest rank. Rod was an accountant and an expert in costing. Alfred, who was originally from Hong Kong, was wanted because of his earlier experience in the shoe industry. Wang was an expert in designing shoes and had experience as a production supervisor. All played an important role in the team and there was no time to make any changes or put up another team.

Wang and Alfred felt as though their ideas were not being taken seriously, were being ridiculed and they were being discriminated against. They felt that they could not have along with Rod and Jeff. After Jane reassured Wang that he would look into the matter before he could make any abrupt decisions, Wang calmed down and agreed to wait. After Jane talked to Rod and Jeff, they were also as surprised as they thought that Wang and Alfred were the ones who were pulling away. Jeff made fun of everyone and he said that Wang could have told him if he felt that he was uncomfortable about it (Jeff constantly made jokes about the Chinese and Korean people).

When Jane asked what specifically triggered Wang to make such an abrupt decision, Jeff tried to make the explanation. He said that Wang and Alfred had visited him in his office the previous day and found him, Rod and Pat Lim (in the marketing department) discussing about the Indonesian project. They told Rod and Jeff that hey wanted to discuss about the project and Jeff told them to go right ahead. That is when they said that they wanted them to change the entire plans. This made Jeff angry for they had worked on them for an entire month and they had not said anything about. When asked about their opinions in the previous meetings, they just shied away and said they were okay with the plans. Jeff asked Wang to make up his mind on things and that there was no time to make the changes as it was only two weeks before the Indonesians arrived.

Though Jane thought that she could get them working together again, she was also concerned on whether Jeff could get along with the Indonesians. Jeff and Rod complained that Alfred and Wang turned down their efforts of getting them together and knowing each other. Jane is in a dilemma since there is no time to make any changes.

Background

The main scenario involves the misinterpretation of actions and language. In Jeff’s view, the jokes he makes about people and their cultures are not meant to discriminate against them, but are for lightening up the moment. However, Wang and Alfred take it differently as they feel that he is making fun of their cultures in front of other people. Lack of communication is also another problem. Alfred and Wang had a problem with the plans that were being made but they did not say it earlier. They waited for the last minute to talk about it.

Issues and Problems

The main problem presented is that Jeff and Rod do not seem to understand that people have different personalities. Jeff is loud and many people find his jokes funny. They appreciate him for who he is. Unfortunately, he does not understand that some people are quite and introverted and they do not appreciate publicity. There is also the issue of cultural differences. Different cultures behave differently and some are appalled by the actions of others. Wang might not have appreciated a woman being present in their meeting. In some cultures, people prefer it if they take some time before making any decision. That could have explained why Wang and Alfred came up with new ideas when it was almost time for the Indonesian project.

Analysis of Alternatives

This group has certain strengths that are beneficial to the project and the whole company in general. Each member is playing a different role that is adding up to the result. Jeff’s financial experience will benefit the team in getting the financial aspect of the project. Rod’s experience in accounting and especially in costing would make the team find cheaper ways of producing the goods. Alfred and Wang had a lot of experience in production and international business. Alfred’s parents had managed a shoe company in Canada and Wang was an expert in designing shoes and had been a production supervisor. Wang’s and Alfred’s origin (Korean and Chinese respectively), would make the Indonesians feel at ease. It would also paint a good picture of the company as being non-discriminatory.

The company’s major weakness was the lack of understanding and coordination amongst the team members. This was dangerous, as it made some members not put their all in to the project. Wang’s decision of wanting a transfer at his crucial moment would really jeopardize the project. If Alfred and Wang were to exit before the Indonesians arrival, it would not be taken positively by the Indonesians. The shyness and non-persistent attitude in Wang and Alfred made the other two members fail to understand them. Rod and Jeff complained that their efforts of wanting to know the other two were turned down.

The major opportunity in this scenario is that there is a very high chance of the project going through. The presence of each member and his different contribution would make the project go through. The success of this project would make the company expand its territories, being a benefit to both the Canadians and the Indonesians. The team members also had an opportunity to make use of their experiences, their knowledge and their potentials to the maximum.

The only threat the company faces is the failure of the team hence the failure of the project. Changing of team members may not be a good presentation to the Indonesians. They might find the company management disorganized and undecided therefore pull back their trusts. If Rod and Jeff fail to cooperate with the other two, they might be unable to work together with the Indonesians.

Recommendations

Jane has no other alternative but to make the four members work together, each feeling that he is part of the team. There is no time to put up another team and even if there were time, a change of team members would not be presentable before the Indonesians. For starters, she could tell Jeff to make other jokes based on general things or just stop making the jokes at all if they would offend somebody. She should also call for a meeting with all the team members inclusive. She should try to explain the importance of communication. This should include showing the disadvantages of lack of communication, giving the real life problems they were experiencing then. This should be done in a way that shows that they are talking but not pointing fingers.

The shy and reserved members should be encouraged to raise their concerns immediately as raising them later would be more hectic. Rod and Jeff should be encouraged to be more friendly and encourage the other two be more open. Jane should emphasize on the importance of the project and show that it was not only a benefit to the company as a whole but to the individuals too. She should convince Wang to stay and put his all until the project is over. Regular check-ups should be carried out to ensure that each member is comfortable and doing his level best.

Implementation

The company should start teaching all the employees about appreciating cultural differences. The management can bring people from different cultures and they can engage the employees in different activities where they have to take different roles. For instance, Jeff and Rod could take an Asian perspective on specified issues. This will help them understand Wang and Alfred better.

It seems that all the employees have communication problems. Some talk too much while others talk too little. This problem can be overcome by teaching the employees about different personalities and the importance of communication. Wang will understand the laid-back personality of Jeff and Rod and Jeff will understand the shyness of his colleague. Knowing how different cultures communicate and respecting their beliefs is the first step towards an amicable working relationship.

Different media such as videos showing how different cultures relate, having an active engagement where the four members actively engage in communicating their problems and role playing sessions are some of the other methods that can be used. The four members can be encouraged to socialize in an informal setting where they are more comfortable. Jeff and Rod can explain to Alfred and Wang why they do not take some issues too seriously.