Week 6 Assignment

Read: Into the Fray (attached)-note when and how power and politics play a role in Michael's dilemma. Write an expert opinion, detailing what you think Michael's next steps should be (700-1050 words). Your opinion should address these questions:

1- What dependencies exist? Think not only in terms of Michael's workplace, but also, his home.

Michael's company has recruited him about two years ago. He has been trained in the company culture and the company expects that he will contribute to the company. In this manner the company is dependent on Michael.

In a similar way, Michael is dependent on the company and its top management for his career advancement. He expects to be promoted to the post of President US Operations.

Michael is also dependent on his colleagues and other employees of the company Legrand SA Without their support he cannot get important information that is so vital for the his survival and progress. For, instance Danielle Harcourt tried a number of times to to establish a relationship with Michael.

The family of Michael is dependent on his remaining in New York. This will ensure that his children get the education they deserve and his wife moves up the career ladder. In the same manner Michael is also dependent on his wife and children for his mental well-being.

2- Do Michael's colleagues demonstrate legitimate or illegitimate political behavior? Explain.

Michael's colleagues demonstrate a mixture of legitimate and illegitimate political behavior. When Danielle Harcourt networks in Paris and reaches out to his direct reports, it can be held that this political behavior is illegitimate. On the other hand when Danielle Harcourt invites Michael and tries to establish a rapport with him it is a legitimate behavior. From, the perspective of managers, Ð''political' behavior is a system of establishing contact within the company and with the managers. This is helpful because it provides he managers with important information and enables them to move up the corporate ladder. This is legitimate behavior. Even the act of Pierre Hoffman calling up Michael and asking him to take over the China operations of the company is a political behavior.

3- What should Michael do about the China opportunity? Why?

Michael should avoid the China opportunity. The reason is that if he takes up the position for China now, then he will get sidetracked for the position of President of US Operations. Instead, he should make a strong pitch for the position of President of US Operations. An important reason is that Michael's family is now settled in New York and it will be not be very logical to displace them. In addition, the moment he moves to China his visibility and contact with the head office will get reduced.

4- What should Michael do about the open position for President of U.S. Operations?

Michael should directly discuss with Pierre Hoffman that he is interested in the position of President of US Operations. He should present his case to Hoffman; explain why he is the best candidate for the position. He should tell Hoffman about his abilities and explain to him that he is the best person for the position. It is expected that Michael's excellent relationship with Pierre will pay off.

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