HRM

CASE STUDY

KARTHIKA NAIR
MBA (Tech) CHEMICAL
210
 CASE INCIDENT

ABSENTEE INFORMATION SHEET

Background

Vinod has been a supervisor in the quality-control section for five months. He was promoted on
the basis of his excellent performance in the research and development (R&D) section. Although
his new subordinates do not question Vinod’s ability, they are still grumbilng about the fact, their
fellow worker, Pradeep, was passed over in favor of an ‘outsider’.

The Critical Incidents

1. Vinod’s boss had asked to a have a ‘good man’ sent over to R&D for four days to help
out over a special problem. Looking over the job and surveying his staff, Vinod decided
that Pradeep was best qualified.

One Friday afternoon, Vikas called Pradeep into his office and said “Pradeep, the boss
has a special project going in the R&D section and needs some help. Since our schedule
is flexible, I’m sending you over there for a short time, starting from Monday next”.

Pradeep answered. “Why pick me? I like the work I’m doing here. Do you have any
complaints about my work?”

Vinod shook his head, “no, but I don’t have time to argue with you, be over there on
Monday morning.”

Pradeep stormed out of Vinod’s office without saying a word.

2. On Monday morning, the boss called Vinod, “I thought you were sending Pradeep over
here to help me out. I’m on a tight schedule with a subcontractor, and I need Pradeep
immediately.”

Vikas replied.” I told him to report to you this morning. He hasn’t shown up here. I
thought he was over there working with you. I’ll send one of the other men over in a few
minutes.”

As Vinod picked up the phone to call Pradeep’s home, his secretary walked in and
announced that Pradeep’s wife had just called and said that he was sick and would be out
for a few days.
3. Wednesday morning, Vinod was holding a staff meeting. He had to leave to answer a
telephone call. Returning to the conference room, he was just in time to hear one of his
men, whose back was turned to him, say.” Pradeep really made a pile on that card game
last night, didn’t him?”

For the rest of the meeting, the men avoided Vinod’s glances. On Friday, Pradeep handed
in a doctor’s certificate for four days sick leave.

Vinod knows that the staffs are waiting to see what action he will take.

Questions:
1. If you were Vinod how would you tackle a similar situation?

2. If you were Pradeep, what alternative mode of behavior would you adopt to cope with
the situation; in?