Reference no: EM133324359
Case Study: Aga Sikorski is the nurse manager for floors 2 and 3 at The Vales, a retirement community with an integrated long-term care facility. The building is located in a suburban area and has been in operation for five years; it houses 260 residents. The Vales is a for-profit facility owned and operated by Livewell, a corporation which, according to its website, is the "leading provider of seniors' accommodation, care and services".
Aga manages a staff of 20 nurses, personal support workers, recreationists, and food service providers; the cleaning and maintenance staff is managed by the Director of Facilities, Ben Craigey.
Mariflor Castillo works for Aga as a recreationist for floor 3. Her job is to manage and run the recreation program for the residents on that floor, including daily activities like exercise, games, and speakers, as well as special events like monthly outings. Today Mariflor has her regular biweekly meeting with Aga to discuss recreation.
"Sorry I'm late, Aga. I was just talking to Stephanie in HR and it took longer than I thought", Mariflor says as she walks in - ten minutes late - to Aga's office.
"Mariflor, before we talk about recreation, can you tell me what happened at Sherway Gardens last week? I've had complaints from three residents and at least two family members..." Aga says.
Mariflor glances down at the floor, before quickly looking back into Aga's eyes. "I'm not sure what you mean, Aga. We had a great outing".
"According to Mr. Reyes in 307B and Mrs. McKay in 319A", Aga says, "you did not bring the usual snacks and water. Also, according to what some family members have been told, there were no required wash-room breaks".
"It's true that I didn't bring snacks this time, but that's because I talked to the people on the list and suggested this one time they should bring money instead for snacks - Sherway has so many options for food..." Mariflor replies.
"Mariflor, I'm afraid it doesn't matter if Sherway has food options. The ministry guidelines for outings stipulate that food and beverages are to be provided. You know this, don't you?"
"I'm so sorry Aga. I do know the guidelines, but I just thought we could change the way things get organized and planned this one time", Mariflor says.
Aga knows that what has happened requires her to give Mariflor a first verbal warning because her performance is substandard and has breached health and safety rules. However, she has so much else on her plate she decides this is not an important enough matter. She gives Mariflor another chance.
*
A few minutes later, Mariflor is standing in the hallway outside Ben Craigey's office. Ben and Mariflor have been dating for three months.
"I can't believe she's going to believe the residents and families instead of me! I do a great job, and I don't care if Aga thinks so or not", Mariflor says.
"Don't worry. She's not going to do anything about Sherway. She has to deal with Family Council this week", Ben replies. "By next week she'll be onto the next thing".
"I mean, one frickin' outing is just like all the others", Mariflor says. "Do they all have to be amazing and stick to every frickin' guideline?"
*
Near the end of the workday, around 5 pm, Ben is in his office starting to go through the day's email and voicemail. There's one voicemail he wishes he could just delete - but, of course, he can't. He plays it again.
"Mr. Craigey, this is Tim McKay. My mother is in 319A. I've left three voicemails over the past two weeks and you haven't yet been in touch. p136 The vinyl baseboards in my mother's room have peeled off. The cleaners have swept away the vinyl, but this has left exposed rotting drywall and gigantic holes. Her room looks like a war zone and nothing's being done about it. Please call me and let me know when you will be fixing the walls and baseboards..."
"Screw off", Ben says to the phone.
"and as this is my third call about this", McKay's voice continues, "it's fair to let you know I'll be in touch with Mr. Cusimano from Family Council tomorrow morning; hopefully this will make a difference".
Ben jabs at the button that erases the voicemail.
"Great. Now I have to stay late and do this myself so that Vince frickin' Cusimano sees it's been taken care of. Sucks to be me!" says Ben.
He pulls out his phone and texts Mariflor: "Gonna be a late babe. Have to do a last-minute joe-job. Be home by 7:30. XOXO".
Questions: How can concepts from ethics, psychology, and interpersonal communication (one specific concept from each) be applied to think through the ineffective productivity and work ethic in this case, and to offer solutions? Discuss in relation to concepts from Class (lectures, slides, textbook, notes). (5 marks)