Heaven on Earth Case - Essay Example

13 February 2008 Heaven on Earth Participants, Issues, and Solution The case study on Heaven on Earth describes the situation of the 200 bed facility located in Toronto and the changes which brought about the conflict within the business organization's employees with the coming of the new foodservice manager Jerry. The changes instituted by this new superior prove to be disruptive as it brings about low employee morale, resentment among employees, and even adverse effects to the customers in the facility. Thus, the key players in the case study are Jerry, the employees in foodservice, and the supervisor. As already discussed, the main issue is the resolution of the problems which emerged when Jerry took over the office and modified how things were done which proves to be detrimental both in the employees and company's customers. The supervisor is seen to have the more important role in making the effort of finding a solution to the problem while employees within the foodservice department should be cooperative of the solution to be implemented. Having been given the hypothetical role of being the supervisor, the proposed solution of this project is to consult Jerry and tell him to focus on his administrative duties. It should be noted that the case clearly stipulates that his main responsibility is only on administrative tasks and he should not have control on job routines, scheduling procedures, and menu plans. It becomes apparent that Jerry is doing something outside his job description disrupting the whole system in the process. However, this should be done in a very professional manner. Positive Letter Heaven on Earth 143 Applegate Building Toronto 224-9863-www.heavenonearth.com 12 February 2008 Ms. Nita Cole Cook Dear Nita, Even though I've only been in this branch for the past six months, I have noted your sincerity and dedication for the job together with your ability to learn new concepts and skills fast. In recognition to your excellent performance as a cook for Heaven in Earth for the past 20 years, I am happy to inform you that you are now promoted as a Red Seal Chef. Your promotion will bring in new responsibilities which I would like to discuss in details with you on Friday, 15 February around 10am. I do hope that this new position will not hinder you in taking care of my children after office hours. I will be very happy and willing to assist you with the transition. Sincerely, Jerry Dashwood Manager Critical Analysis The letter is written by the new manager in order to inform Nita Jones of her promotion. In the case analyzed, it should be noted that Jerry is very fond of Nita and among the employees in the foodservice department; the latter is most receptive of the changes which the new manager is putting in place. Thus, it is only logical to assume that Jerry will more likely promote Nita to a higher position. The letter of Jerry to Nita follows the specific format of a business letter. The letterhead of the company is used to highlight business communication. It also utilizes a block format which emphasizes professionalism. Through this, Jerry is communicating that even though he treats Nita as a friend, this letter goes beyond this friendship and captures their relationship as superior and employee. The letter should be regarded because of its being direct to the point. Instead of highlighting the friendly relationship between them, Jerry wrote professionally and with authority. He states that Nita earned her promotion because of her performance and not because of his closeness with his superior. Overall, the tone of Jerry is less cordial and formal which is right for his purpose. However, there is one sentence which should not be included in the letter. This is about Nita having enough time to take care of Jerry's kids. In business writing, personal life should always be separated from what happens inside of the office. Also, the inclusion of this sentence is not appropriate because it goes beyond the topic being discussed. Nita is now promoted Red Seal Chef and she should focus on this new responsibility as it requires more effort. There is no way that other jobs that she has at the moment should be included in the letter. Also, it hints some relationship between the two which is outside the scope of Heaven on Earth. Negative Letter Heaven on Earth 143 Applegate Building Toronto 224-9863-www.heavenonearth.com 12 February 2008 Mr. Jerry Dashwood Manager Dear Mr. Jerry, When you were hired from by the corporate office, they informed us to expect new and exciting changes from your management. This proves to be true as we can see from your six month stay here in the Toronto branch. I really appreciate that you want to improve the service that we offer through the provision of high quality foods. However, as you can see, the changes which you in place is now becoming an issue in the foodservice department as employee morale is very low and the harmonious relationship among them is deteriorating which can be very harmful in the long run. I am very much in agreement with your quest in improving the quality of food that we provide and will appreciate your insight about this. However, I perceive that the changes you instituted are far too drastic for our workforce which is our greatest asset in achieving this goal. I, therefore want to suggest that you discuss with me about the specific modifications that you want to pursue. In that way, I can help you with them by coming up with a time plan on how these can be done without causing disruptions in the operations. As your job as a manager should be focused on administrative tasks, I want to free your hands from more operational matters since these are my primary concerns. I will be free to discuss this matter with you anytime within the week. I hope that we can both work together towards the development that you want for Heaven and Earth. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Rebecca Jones Supervisor Critical Analysis The letter above which is written by the supervisor Rebecca Jones shows a very positive approach to what has been happening in Heaven on Earth. It should be noted that the business organization is in turmoil because of the changes being implemented by the new manager yet Rebecca still tries her best to understand him and gives him a chance to institute improvements even though it is now becoming a cause of organizational problems. The style of the letter embodies what the characteristic of a business letter. It uses the company's letterhead which signifies that what is discussed in the purely business matter with issues concerning Heaven on Earth. The block format which is utilized emphasizes the formality of the topic even highlights professionalism and respect. The letter should be recognized because of its capability to use a positive tone in order to address a negative issue. The respect of Rebecca to James and her regard for his authority is mirrored through the humble, peaceful, and cordial tone. Through the words that she used, she is able to convey that even though some unpleasant events are happening she still believe that it is not the intention of Jerry to cause this problems. The supervisor should be commended for her level of professionalism, her regard for authority as well as her considerate nature. However, the letter of Rebecca to Jerry might not be very effective in doing its intended purpose because it lacks the toughness to counter the domineering attitude of Jerry. In the case, it should be noted that the new manager stresses his supremacy among the members of the foodservice department and the supervisor. Thus, he might not want to listen and be dictated of what he should do. The letter then needs to be stronger with a firmer tone in order to establish what the supervisor really wants to happen that is, for Jerry to stop making decisions outside his area of responsibility. Read More