Bob Knowlton

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR - II

CASE STUDY 1 - BOB KNOWLTON (A)

INTRODUCTION

The case is about Bob Knowlton, who is a team leader on a project at Simmons laboratories and was enjoying a very successful career. This case describes a situation that is working out badly for the members of the organisation and also affecting the organisation. In the beginning, Knowlton was confident about his work and himself, knowing that he is a productive employee, but after the joining of Elliot in his team, he began to feel insecure because of the knowledge and expertise that Elliot possessed. He lost his confidence because of the continuous praise that Elliot was earning as a result of his brilliant work. He even allowed Elliot to take over the group meetings and the leadership of the group as well.

Knowlton never showed his discomfort and insecurity to either his teammates or Katherine. There were some other issues as well, Elliot was not concerned about the other team members and he was often abrasive at times, so it was affecting the team spirit in the organisation. Instead of taking these matters to Katherine, Knowlton, seeing that he was about to lose his post to Elliot, decided to look for other job opportunities.

OBJECTIVES

• To analyze the working styles of Bob Knowlton and Elliot Haywood, and look at their behaviour in a team.

• To reflect upon the traits that the group lacks, and needs to work upon.

CASE ANALYSIS

Bob Knowlton

• Holds the position of team leader in Simmons Laboratories.

• He believed in working in teams, taking along all the members of the lab, as well as the secretaries. He was of the opinion that the work of the lab should be guided and evaluated by the group as a whole.

• He felt that group meetings were important to keep the group together, and they helped in working on the shortcomings of the weaker members, thus making the group...