Case 8 Workplace Rules
Setting: Small Biotechnology Firm; Your Position: Director, Project Development
Your firm was formed five years ago to pursue some radical new ideas which have great promise in controlling the advancement of Alzheimer's disease. The group of five scientists you direct is very dedicated to their work, but a series of unanticipated problems has arisen which has caused them to fall far behind schedule. Although the group members are well paid, their major incentives revolve around the work itself. You believe strongly in "self-management" and have encouraged them to set their own working hours. In addition, when the pressure gets too intense or unexpected frustrations arise, you encourage them to take time off so that they may return with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.
Today your boss, a vice president recently hired from a large pharmaceutical firm, came down to see you and informed you that four of your group were playing ping pong in the lunchroom at 3 P.M. This incident was described as the "last straw" in a series of events that had apparently been bothersome over an extended period of time. Two weeks ago your boss had arrived at 7:30 A.M. only to find one of your physiological scientists sleeping on the sofa in his office. Last week your boss had come down to your area in the mid-afternoon seeking an answer to a pressing question and had found no one there, including you.
You explained that you knew nothing about the first two events, though you saw nothing wrong with a friendly game of ping pong during a coffee break. The last incident was clearly your responsibility. The group had worked until 3 A.M. for several nights in a row, and you had suggested that they take advantage of a beautiful spring day by enjoying a relaxing stroll through the adjacent bird sanctuary.
Apparently your defense fell on deaf ears. The VP referred to your management style as "anarchy" and gave you a week to develop and implement a new set of rules and regulations covering working hours, work habits, and the like. Failing that, you are certain that your superior will be the one to issue the new rules and regulations.
All of the employees in your section are under 35 and have degrees in biology, neuroscience, or psychology. These common factors of age and formal education have resulted in a highly cohesive group with strong support for the discretion which they have currently.