Power And Politics

Power and Politics

I believe that Michael should go to China. It is obvious that Pierre Hoffman is not ready to give Lucien's position to Michael. If this were the case, he would not be willing to send Michael to China. Michael is not exactly in a good position to be bargaining at this point either, if he ever wants to move up in his career he will have to be willing to move forward and accept new opportunities. This is just the challenge that he needs. While Michael is certainly talented and successful at his job, he lacks the multinational experience that going to China could give him. This would be a wonderful opportunity, not only for him, but for his family as well.

Michael needs to take this opportunity to seriously think about where his career is going and whether or not he wishes to remain with this company. Changing companies at this point in the game could be quite detrimental, especially since Michael seems to have a good working relationship with Pierre Hoffman. Hoffman's decision not to give him Lucien's position most likely has nothing to do with office politics, but rather with his confidence in Michael's skills at this point. Mr. Hoffman most likely feels that sending him to China will give him the skills he will need to excel in the future.

A solution to Michael's wife not wanting to go to China might be for Michael to make the move to China alone, allowing his wife to stay and get ahead in her own career. Their children are older now and do not require a full time stay at home parent. This of course will be a sacrifice for everyone in the short run, but in the long run, the entire family will benefit financially. Michael and Karen need to think about their children's future along with their own. Career advancement could mean a better home, better schools, and a better education for their children.

Michael's first task should be to talk to Pierre about his future and discuss his career track with the company. A decision should be reached about how long Michael will remain in China and about a position at head quarters in the future. A stay in China of two to three years should be sufficient. Michael will need to go over Pierre's expectations of him in China. Michael should also request monthly trips to New York and Paris, as this will allow him to maintain visibility within these offices, as well as give him time to spend with his family each month. Trips can also be planned for Karen and the children to visit Michael in China, especially in the summer. This will give the children the multi cultural experience Michael and Karen want for them.

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