Below, IBI presents an example of a Cross Cultural Conflict scenario, enabling you to test your own approach to such conflicts. More examples are to follow soon.
Dishwasher Detergent
Mr. Blue is head of a foreign subsidiary of Glanum, an international consumer products company. One day his subsidiary receives a complaint from the national consumer organisation: Several boxes of dishwashing detergent were found to contain too much chlorine, causing serious damage to china and glassware. Compensation of damages and withdrawal of remaining stock will cost the company an equivalent of US$ 100,000.
To prevent similar mistakes in the future, Mr. Blue is determined to find the person responsible for the damage. He contacts Ms Lila, head of the department. When asked about the person who made the mistake, she replies that while she has some idea of who may be responsible, she does not think it's necessary to just blame the individual who made the mistake. The whole production team must take the blame since it apparently didn't sufficiently train its members and didn't properly check up on their work. Moreover, the person in question apparently felt so ashamed that he offered to resign - his colleagues had to convince him to stay. In her view, the person has been punished enough already. Moreover the whole team will see to it that such a mistake will not happen again.
© 2002, IBI, All rights reserved
|
 |
Eemnesserweg 11-01  1251 NA Laren The Netherlands
Tel.: [+31] (0) 35 629 42 69 Fax: [+31] (0) 35 629 49 19 |
|
