Reference no: EM133094513

CASE STUDY - Charlotte Cook's Problem

Charlotte Cook is a registered nurse (RN) who has three certified nursing assistants (CNAs) - Sally, John, and Betty - reporting to her a Longview Nursing Facility.  Cook is 48 years old and has worked for Stanley George, the CEO, for 10 years.

Cook is confronted with a leadership problem.  Sally, who has worked for Cook for 5 years, is 40 years old, cooperative, dependable, skilled, and an excellent performer. John, who is 28, transferred from another nursing unit 2 months ago after working there for 1 year. The CEO told Cook that he was transferring John because John could not get along with his RN supervisor on that unit.  The RN supervisor there is 2 years younger than John, and they had a personality clash.  In fact, rumours circulated that John dislikes this RN supervisor because she was not satisfied with either his performance or his attitude.  Furthermore, the RN supervisor's predecessor and John had been very close socially, she was not demanding of John, and she often made exceptions for him.  This had made the other CNAs on that unit resent John, and they had nothing to do with him.  The third CNA, Betty, is 30 years old and has worked for Cook for the year she has been at Longview.  Her performance is acceptable, although she needs some direct supervision. She and Cook have a good work relationship.

Four weeks ago John, began complaining to Sally and Betty.  He has criticized Mr. George and Ms. Cook and has generally been "anti-everything" about Longview and its staff, especially the RN supervisor on his previous unit and Cook. He has been uncooperative, often doing his job poorly, and has gossiped constantly with the patients. Cook has noticed that John always seems to be with Betty during their free time and that Betty tends to agree with him about things on the unit.  Cook feels that if the situation is ignored, matters could get worse

Presume that CNAs are difficult to recruit and retain and that Cook does not want o discharge John, at least for the present.

Using Tannenbaum and Schmidt's model, explain what leadership style should Cook use with Sally? With John?

How should Cook approach and interact with Betty? 

What should Cook do if John does not change? 

Did Mr. George do the correct thing in transferring John? 

What could Mr. George have done to remedy the situation at the time he transferred John?