1:

Review the following scenario, and then discuss it in terms of both functional and dysfunctional conflict within an organization.

Last year, an organization established a company policy requiring that all employees smile and make eye contact with customers. Since then, employee grievances have continued to escalate. In the last month alone, 10 employees from three different stores have filed grievances. Most of them list customer harassment as a major issue: The customers assume that the employee is flirting with them because the customers are misreading the social cues. Additionally, one employee who had recently suffered the loss of her spouse complained about being reprimanded by a supervisor because she was not smiling at customers “with sufficient enthusiasm.”

The organization wants to maintain an image as a friendly place to shop that cares about its customers, but the organization also wants to be a place where employees can work in a safe environment.

Explain which communication technique (or techniques) you think would be most helpful in creating a solution, and explain why you believe the technique (or techniques) will help.

2:

What is the marketing mix? Discuss how conducting a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis helps a firm to develop its strategic plan. Think of a recent trip to the movies, the grocery store, or a department store. Brand placement and product promotion is constantly around us, so what have you recently spotted?

3:

Do you think that, in this case, “the Government overstepped the line between setting a trap for the ‘unwary innocent’ and the ‘unwary criminal'”? Why, or why not?

How does the U.S. Supreme Court define entrapment in this case? Do you agree with the definition? Why, or why not?

4:

Consider humanity as the ultimate predator. Many, if not most of us, particularly in the United States, are quite comfortable with the harvesting of organisms like tuna, deer, ducks, or rabbits. Other countries and cultures; however, value species for food that rarely, if ever, find their way to the North American dinner plate. What are your thoughts on the harvesting of organisms such as whales, dolphins, seals, etc.? Is hunting the only major issue that might threaten the existence of these organisms? Should we limit ourselves to eating only certain organisms? Why, or why not? Feel free to do some independent research.