A Window On Life

CASE STUDY: A WINDOW ON LIFE

TENGKU INTAN NABILAH BINTI TENGKU SULAIMAN

Prepared for,
Dr. Norzanah
Faculty of Industrial Management
KPB2913
Organizational Behaviour

Semester I 2015/2016

KBA 15021

A Window On Life

DISCUSSION QUETIONS
1) IDENTIFY THE SYMPTOMS INDICATING THAT PROBLEMS EXIST AT
LA Crosse Industries, Inc.
The symptoms that indicated that problems exist at La Crosse Industries are the changes or
transformation in terms of leadership. The changes began when Gilbert made the difficult
decision to sell a majority share to Build All Products, a conglomerate with international
marketing expertise in building product. As a consequence, Lacrosse spent more time
meeting with developers. He would return to the plant and office only once a month.
So, the results from the action that has been taken by Lacrosse is negatively impacted the
organization. The first one is that we can observe that the product quality has been declined.
Although product quality had been a priority throughout the companys history, less attention
had been paid to inventory controls. In addition, Vlodoski introduced strict inventory
guidelines. Other than that, there is an increase in defective windows that being returned by
developers and wholesalers as a new purchasing procedure was introduced.
During that time, a few employees quit as they claimed that they did not feel comfortable
about producing a window that would not stand the test of time.
Last but not least, there is a lack of communication between all levels.
2) USE ONE OR MORE LEADERSHIP THEORIES TO ANALYZE THE
UNDERLYING CAUSES OF THE CURRENT PROBLEMS AT La Crosse
Industries. WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR THEORIES
MIGHT ALSO HELP EXPLAIN SOME OF THE PROBLEM?
From the case study, we can analyze that the main issue is the change in leadership with
newly appointed vice president Vladoski. Each leader has their own strategy, approach, and
ideology. Like in Malaysia, Tun Dr Mhathir has been widely known in his agenda which is
vision 2020 while Tun Abdullah through Islam Hadhari. The slogan has become their theme,
identity and differentiates them from the opposition party leaders. To me, Vladoski is more of
directive leadership. He spells out what and how subordinates tasks. For instance, he
introduced strict inventory guidelines and outlined procedure on using supplies for each shift.

A Window On Life

Other than that, he is also very achievement oriented. Leader who has this type of leadership
will always emphasize setting goals, stressing excellence, and showing confidence in
peoples ability to achieve high standard of performance. As an example, goals were
established for supervisors to meet specific inventory. In contrast, Gilbert always focuses on
subordinate needs, well-being and promotion of a friendly work climate. For example, when
a second work shift was added, Gilbert would show up during the evening break with coffee
and boxes of donuts. After each announcement, Gilbert would thank everyone for making the
business a success. Last but not least, he also applied participative leadership which focuses
on consulting with subordinates and taking their suggestion into account before making
decisions. As an illustration, he open up to suggestion and allow his craftspeople to be part of
decision makers during purchasing material procedures.
Other organizational theory can be used to analyze the problem is the four drive theory which
is a motivation theory based on innate drive to acquire, bond, comprehend and defend. In this
case, Vlodoski has not able to fulfil the drive to acquire of his employees as he limits
involvement of the craftspeople in the purchasing procedure making them feeling not in
control on what they do.

3) WHAT SHOULD GILBERT LaCrosse DO IN THIS SITUATION?

In my own opinion, according to the research by Adnan Aabed of Brigham Young University,
in Islam, there are four important Islamic leadership principles. The first one, leadership in
Islam is rooted in the belief and willing submission to Allah. Then, leaders have to provide
direction to their organization. Next, leaders should communicate their vision to others in
ways designed to generate strong commitment needed to serve as a support to achieve the
desired goals. Lastly, leaders have a major role in creating and maintaining the culture of the
organization. To be a good leader, they need to have these four attributes.

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The first thing that Gilbert should do is to sit down and have the clear meeting with both
parties. They should clearly address the root of the problem and how to encounter the
problem wisely.
In terms of leadership, I agreed that it is more effectively if LaCrosse himself to start
monitors the production operation at the company. And with this he can address the issues as
well as the problems directly. With what have happen, he should not blame others for his
failure but to admit his weaknesses. Apart from that LaCrosse should help Vlodoski and
explain to him clearly the culture and working environment at LaCrosse Industries. Vlodoski
must know how to control his follower and top management. He needs to be sensitive with
other person sensitivity.
Vlodoski need to change his leadership style or maybe incorporate some supportive and
participative leadership style which has been used by LaCrosse. Vlodoski must readily accept
responsibility but do not be too pushy and insisted in lead.
Then Gilbert also needs to revert the inventory and purchasing procedure back to the old one.
Because to build good quality window we need good material hence Gilbert need to bring
back the craftspeople involvement in the purchasing procedure so that the company able to
buy good material to be used to build good quality window. Also the inventory control should
be less tight as before because even though it is good they can minimize cost with good
inventory control but maintaining quality is another story. He should be ready to do what the
others expected from him to perform. He should be a role model to others.
Tun Dr Mahathir has once said that to be a great leader, one needs to have good strategies, be
knowledgeable as well as able to predict the future.