SVKM’s NMIMS

School of Distance Learning

Organisational Behaviour

Programme:All Semester: I Marks: 30

At Bangalore R & D center, a team of scientists were appointed for a project on

‘shampoo’ line. Sanjay Sharma heading the team as Principal Research Scientist with the
support of Rajesh Pawar, Rekha Singh, Jaideep Chatterjee, and Amitava Pramanik as
Research Scientists, Suresh Jayaraman & Punam Gupta was Research Associates.

Rajesh Pawar came up with an idea of pet shampoos during brainstorming with the team.

“Hey, we should target the pet care segment {pet dogs and cats} because in India, pet
industry is being seriously looked at as a growing industry? I had been working on this
concept for a few weeks & have done some initial research as well”, said Rajesh.

“I think we should just focus on the dog segment & bring out a range of shampoos that
are breed-specific”, contributed by Rekha Singh, who was a new unmarried scientist in
the company.

“Oh that’s a really great idea, a breakthrough” said Jaideep & Amitava appreciating
Rekha. The idea given by Rekha got support from both colleagues & head.

Rajesh was clearly not comfortable with his credit being taken away. He also felt that
creating brand specific shampoos would not be a profitable innovation thus, no point
concentrating efforts on that. With this in mind he put his point forward but couldn’t
gather consensus.

Sanjay Sharma made Rekha the in charge for the R & D of this product. She was asked to
submit the preliminary report within a week’s time and also required to do the necessary
research in chemical composition of the shampoo.

After the discussion, Jaideep & Amitava, who were good friends with Rajesh, consoled
him & showed confidence in his plan & thoughts. “We understand what you are going
through. The idea was yours & Rekha took all your credit. Don’t worry we are with you
& be careful from next time.”

Nevertheless, in the next meeting, Rekha presented her proposal for ‘her’ idea,
mentioning requirements & chemical details. The meeting began with motivational
speech & plan of action by the head of the team, Mr. Sharma. He praised the innovative
and initiative attitude of Rekha and requested others to follow her.

A lot was discussed in detail & tasks were allotted along with deadlines. Immediately
after the presentation Jaideep & Amitava approached Rekha & supported her research &
proposal reiterating the importance of breed specific range of shampoos.
Rekha’s chances of taking up as new managers role was clearly indicated in the speech of
Mr. Sharma. Now all other employees wanted to work with her now. Rajesh laid aside his
ego & went ahead with full dedication & commitment; however during the entire tenure
of the research-project he noticed a very poor working-attitude of the team members.

Punam was not regular with deadlines; she submitted her research on breeds (types of
dogs) four days after deadline. Rajesh said,” Punam you are four days late with project
deadlines, what you want to pay attention at work”. Punam didn’t like the way Rajesh
approached her in front of everyone, she replied, “I am no more reporting to you and my
seniors know about the reasons for delay”.

Suresh was asked to coordinate with depts. looking after chemical research but Rajesh
observed him most of the times in the recreation room, so he asked him “Hi, so what’s
the progress in chemical research so far?” Suresh replied that he had done whatever he
was asked to do by the Senior Scientist. Argument continued between Suresh and Rajesh
& situation went bad to worse.

He reported this lack of commitment & poor attitude to Sanjay Sharma & asked for an
action against them. The reply from Sanjay – “Hmm… I know what’s happening in the
team. I have worked for 20 years in this industry & from my experience I know what to
do & when to do. You better go and concentrate on your work. This is a very crucial year
for all of us performance”, he reported back.

Finally the project got completed 4 months after deadline. Rajesh went back to the lab;
sitting & wondering what to do.

He went back and fought with Rekha on stealing his idea. His behaviour with the other
co-employees changed. He became frustrated and use to report late at work. He had a laid
back approach towards every thing. At times he started disobeying the orders of Mr.
Sharma.

Condition at work and even at home where not good. He started consuming alcohol and
then after some months he gave up his job.

Questions:-

Q1. Highlight the area of opportunity in developing a strong work force.

Q2. Discuss the cause’s behaviour of Mr. Rajesh and area of improvement for him.

Q3. What type of Leadership can be best possible for such situation?

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