When a new batch of lawyers joins in 2024, Lisa feels that it is her moral responsibility to reprieve the newcomers from the ensuing stress. However, Lisa, like the others who joined along with her, is on probation for two years. During the probation period, her skills and performance are under evaluation. Upon successful completion of this two-year assessment, she will be eligible for confirmation. Since she is yet to be confirmed, she wants to be seen as fitting within the organization’s culture.
Which of the following options will BEST enable Lisa to save the newcomers from the socialization ritual, without being singled out for questioning the organization’s culture?
Answer: C
Stakeholders and criterion: Lisa wants to spare the newcomers, but she is on probation and must not be singled out as someone challenging the culture. The best option voices the concern through legitimate channels while spreading her personal exposure.
Why option 3 is best: joining a group petition puts the concern formally and openly before the founders. It also signals that many people share the view, not just one dissenter. As one member of a team, Lisa is far less exposed than if she acted alone.
- Option 1: secretly tipping off a newcomer undermines the ritual behind the founders' backs. If found out, she would be singled out, and it does not end the practice.
- Option 2: a one-to-one meeting asking a founder to end the practice puts her alone in the spotlight as the critic.
- Option 4: a generic workshop on workplace politics does not address the ritual or protect the newcomers from it.
- Option 5: staying silent protects her but gives up her goal of sparing the newcomers.
Answer: Option 3