Question

Case study 4 (10 Marks) Synergy Solutions LLC. is a leading human resource consulting firm. The company is highly reputed as it has an efficient track of recruiting the right personnel for various public and private sector organizations in Oman. Mr. Saleh is the new team leader for the recruitment team. He is a typical boss who follows the authoritative leadership style. His communications are mostly top-down and he doesn't welcome suggestions or any other feedback from his subordinates at any given point of time. As and when he conducts some meetings, he uses technical language and uses scientific words which are not understood by most of the participants in the meeting. He always criticizes his subordinates for simple mistakes and never guides or motivates anybody towards organizational goal attainment. Also, his body language and other non-verbal communications with his subordinates are very rude. This attitude of Mr. Saleh made his subordinates loose commitment towards their job. Many of them started resigning from their job. Based on the case, answer the following questions: 1. Do you think Mr. Saleh's top-down communications alone would help achieve the organizations recruitment goals? Give reasons. (3 Marks) 2. Do you think Mr. Saleh is right in using jargon during the meetings? Discuss on the consequences of the same. (4 Marks) (3 Marks)

Answer 1

1. The authoritarian style of leadership where top-down communication is a trend is not always desirable in achieving the organizations recruitment goals because of the following reasons:

• The communication should always be vertically and horizontally so as to facilitate the necessary feedback. To achieve your organizational recruitment goals, it becomes imperative to have the inclusion of every stakeholder involved in the process. We talk about participative management which always believes in the participation of coordinates in the decision making.
• Top-down communication delves into the authoritarian style of leadership wherein the suggestions and feedback from those who are at the forefront of the process are always unwelcome. It, therefore, takes a hit on their level of motivation, and as they do not feel their opinions will be considered, let alone considered.
• High labor turnover because employees are not feeling valued and are leaving the organization.

2. No, Mr. Saleh should avoid using the jargons in the business meetings because of the following consequences:

• Jargon can make the translation faulty and the message which was intended is not understood in the same manner as it made to understand.
• The use of jargon can make people disconnect from your message because people may not feel valued and it can badly impact their level of motivation.
• Jargon can make the audience feel isolated and creates a void and emotional gulf between the speaker and audience which is hard to fill.
• It makes the speaker untrustworthy among the audience and creates a communication discord.

3. Following are the suggestions which can help Mr. Saleh from leaving the organization:

• Mr. Saleh should support the system of participative management wherein the suggestions and feedback of employees are welcome. Communication from both ways should be facilitated.  
• Give employees a sense of ownership by giving them additional responsibilities and authority to exercise their duties.
• Build a strong connection with employees by stopping the use of jargon or avoid being rude should be the first step towards retention.
• Develop a holistic reward system program whereby those employees are rewarded who are working towards the organizational commitment.