Problem statement

What should Shanthala do as she is not getting credit for her work ?

Evaluation of Options :

1. Approach Varun to state the problem:

If Shanthala approaches Varun to address the situation, Varun might think that Shanthala is the
one who is taking credit for Riteish’s work since Varun views Riteish in a positive light. Even if he
believes her, her reputation takes a heavy hit because he may now think of her as a snitch. If
Varun takes Shanthala’s confession negatively, her career prospects will face degradation and
her team will also not support her in this decision as they would still work under the supervision
of Riteish. The only plus point to this plan is that Shanthala’s morals would be held upright.

2. Approach Ritesh to state the problem:

If Shanthala directly confronts Riteish about this problem, he would definitely deny any
allegations against him and might turn against Shanthala too. Her career prospects would go
down the drain too because if such a thing happens, Riteish wouldn’t miss any opportunity to
downplay Shanthala’s achievements. Her team members would not support her decision of
going against her supervisor either and again, the only plus point to this plan would be that her
morals wouldn’t be challenged.

3. Switch Supervisor:
Shanthala might put up a request to work under a different supervisor. This would help her to
maintain her career and her morals wouldn’t be challenged either.

4. Switch job:
If Shanthala quits her job, she may find that even though she may not have to compromise on
her morals, it might take her a lot of time to find a new job.

5. Adapt to team’s working culture:

If Shanthala learns to adapt to the work culture of her team, her reputation may remain intact
and she might gain the support of her peers but she would have to compromise heavily on her
morals.

Criteria

1. Reputation (1)
2. Career prospects (2)
3. Morals (3)
4. Team support (2)
5. Time (2)
Grid Formation:

Reputation-1 Career Morals-3 Team Time- 2

prospects-2 support-2
Approach Varun -2 -1 1 -1 0 -3
Approach Riteish -1 -1 1 -1 0 -2
Switch supervisor 0 1 1 0 0 5
Switch job 0 0 1 0 -1 1
Adapt to work culture 1 0 -2 1 0 -3

Recommendations- switch supervisor

Implementation and action plan

Contingency Plan (if recommendation does not work)- switch job

Recommending Shantala to work under other supervisor would lead to two possible outcomes. Firstly,
Either of Akash or Ramya would give her the credit for her work which would in turn encourage her to
give her 100% at work. Secondly, Akash and Ramya being known for their impatience towards new
employee would interfere in her work constantly resulting in Shantala getting discouraged to continue
her work with same enthusiasm. So though she would lose the fear of losing her credit, she might end
up losing interest in her work. Later situation would lead her to switch to a better job.