Reference no: EM132703052

Effie Pardini supervised 11 accounting clerks in the budget and planning department of a large computer manufacturer. None of the clerks had accounting degrees , but all were skilled in handling records and figures. They primarily prepared budgetary plans and analyses for operating departments. Data inputs were secured from the departments and from the departments and from company records. Pardini assigned projects to the clerk on the basis of their interests and skills. Some projects were more desirable than others because of prestige, challenge, the contacts required or other factors, thus there were occasional conflicts over which clerk was to receive a desirable project. One clerk who seemed especially sensitive and regularly complained about this issue was Sonia Prosser.

Together in the same office, most of them observed her actions. She announced to one in a voice loud enough to be heard by others, "Nobody around here ever gives me a good assignment" Pardini overheard Prosser's comment and looked up from her desk, noting what was happening, Pardini was angered, but she sat at her desk for five minutes wondering what to do. Meanwhile Prosser continued her book.

Questions

(a) What leadership issues are raised by this incident?

(b) Discuss what action Pardini should take. Consider the path-goal model of leadership and the contingency approaches to leadership before making your decision.