Gene One Problem Solution

Running head: PROBLEM SOLUTION: GENEONE

Problem Solution: GeneOne

Week 3

September 11, 2007

Problem Solution: GeneOne

"... After each [problem] was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in all my difficulties" (J.C. Penney n.d.). If approached and handled correctly, every problem can be used as an opportunity to grow. Gene One (a biotech company) is facing a situation that provides an excellent opportunity to fashion a difficult problem into a springboard--from which the Company can segue its business into the 21st century. Problems and solutions are an expected aspect of life and business; therefore, they should be carefully explored to discern win/win solutions for everyone.

The biotech company's leaders have proposed several but will launch it as a world-class organization, which is Gene One's long-range goal. The main issues and problems in which Gene One chose to focus are around the communication among the leaders, technology issues, and strategic implementation process. The first area they will be focusing is communication--communication within and without the organization--communication is paramount. "In today's complex world of information overload ... [it is of critical importance that organizations] ... increasingly recognize that effective communication is an essential ingredient for success" (Penn State Online, n.d.).

Situation Analysis

Issue and Opportunity Identification

Gene One is facing several issues and opportunities. The best companies recognize when there are issues to be addressed and move forward toward resolving them by implementing new opportunities. Gene One focused on their issues by identifying alternative ways to support the new opportunities in which they would have to embark. The issues identified via Gene One involve a lack of the following: transitional and transformational leadership skills along with the lack of ability to communicate efficient and effectively, organizational structure issues, and lack of negotiation techniques.

Leadership Styles

Companies that achieve strong leadership capabilities are cognitive of the strategies and processes that are expected from the company as a whole. The Gene One organization lacked the ability to adjust their leadership style and communications between levels. They lacked an effective leader and communications flow that could be implemented by everyone within the organization. According to Colin Powell, "leadership is the most effective way to implement progress and this can be done by taking care of your people who in turn will take care of you" (Harari, 2002). Often companies are geared towards getting things done faster, cheaper, and more efficiently. These companies often set aside leadership qualities in order to get the job done--this will result in low employee morale.

Organizational Structure

The other issue causing problems for Gene One is the weakness of their organizational structure. Organizational structure can be defined as "the division of labor as well as the patterns of coordination, communication, work flow, and formal power that direct organizational activities. An organizational structure reflects the organization's culture and power relationships." (McShane & Von Glinow, p. 388)

Negotiation Techniques

Negotiation techniques continuously shift in all industries, but in this scenario the lack of negotiation among senior leaders caused Gene One to place emphasis on Company profitability. Gene One needed to provide a course of action towards implementing conflict resolution techniques such as bargaining, situational influences, and negotiation techniques. The Company also needed to begin to think about the value of products instead of profitability. Many companies move towards valued products during a technological change.

Even though Gene One had issues that needed to be resolved, they were counter-active in recognizing the opportunities. The Company quickly realized that the profit share was stagnant and implementation of IPO had to be done immediately. The Company's decisions of moving into the arena with the competitive alliances showed that Gene One's opportunities were not limited. They implemented strategic planning for IPO process and considered the negotiations of the new employees along with the morale of the existing employees.

Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas

Stakeholders are those people directly or indirectly impacted by the performance of an organization. The ethical perspective is that businesses have an obligation to conduct themselves in a way that treats each stakeholder group fairly (Atkins, 2006). However, Gene One did just the opposite by excluding stakeholders from the outsourcing processing plan. Although some of their employees do not see the vision that Don has put forth, one has resigned. Lawsuits will cause issues and will impact productivity. Gene One has a history of treating employees well, because their competitive advantage from loyal employees; however, lack of leadership is the surest way to alienate or anger employees.

Ignoring conflicts of interest and doing the right thing can result in comprises that are not in the best interest of the stakeholders, but rather a way to satisfy or make decisions and take actions that are good enough, but not optimal (Atkins, 2006). Open and honest communication can go a long way in keeping employees comfortable in their jobs. Supply them with as much information as possible (Chapman, 2006). Even if the information is unpleasant, share it. Set up and carry out regular departmental meetings. Such meetings should be a forum for all employees to voice their concern. Let people know they are free to speak about their grievances, questions, or complaints - but without personal attacks. Often, people simply want to be heard.

Changes negotiated with the employees are too be implemented in a communication plan. The communications plan should contain details of all the formal communications activities that will occur throughout the project. It will act as a binding agreement. When communicating to people who something is going to be done, having a communications plan or commitment in writing, will force a carry-through with efforts and an opportunity will have been given to employees

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