Introduction

Dr Ghosh, who was recently recruited into the Institute as Director, to focus on governance and
institute development got trapped into an uncalled situation between the financial controller Mr.
Jacob and the Chairperson of Doctoral Programmes Dr. Khan.

The virtual conflict between the two heads was getting out of control and Dr. Ghosh though being
new to the environment and culture of the institute is confined into a situation of conflict resolution
between the two petulant employees of the institute who themselves possessed seniority and
experience.

Background
The case discusses behavioural issues of people in leadership positions. Firstly it discusses about the
ego tussles between the Head – Financial Controller and the Chairperson Doctoral Programme. It all
started with Dr. Khan writing to Mr. Jacob and marking a copy to faculty colleagues asking a
justification for the issue related to the shortage of budgetary sanction to a doctoral candidate.

Dr. Khan question the authoritative role of the financial controller.

The exchange of mails aggravated the situation even further, though both the individuals were
discussing on processes of budget sanction to doctoral students. The email communication was
showed a rage of anger and discomfort between the two individuals.

Alternatives
Dr. Khan could have avoided this situation by personally speaking to the students as he being
popular among the students, understanding the facts and discussing the same with Mr. Jacob. As the
organization believes in an informal culture.

Knowing Dr. Khan’s nature of being aloof and abrasive, Jacob could have spoken to him over a call
and met him personally to discuss the entire situation.

Being at a decision making position both Jacob and Khan could have solved the issue at their end
rather than taking it to the faculty body, committee and the director.

Proposed solution

Process describing a clear demarcation of roles is essential without any ambiguity. Drafting mail on
such issues should be avoided and sorted at between the program head and the financial
controllers. Dr. Ghosh calling for a meeting and indicating to both the individuals to sort their
internal conflicts and come up with a solution. A clear warning to the two individuals and looking
beyond the incident and the perspective of why this got triggered would help Dr. Ghosh.