Strategy of Means End Analysis Solves Workplace Problem - Case Study Example

As if to compound the matters, I started getting very simple tasks, which befit only the beginners and not people with a fair bit of experience like me. As a matter of fact, my co-workers started to consider this as a form of unofficial demotion in my position, and all this was highly painful for me, to say the least. Here, I need to add that, my boss is the kind of person who seldom does directly highlight any errors or shortcomings of the employees. On the contrary, he expects them to be wise enough to identify the flaws, by themselves.

And all the circumstances strongly suggested that it was now my turn to run the extra mile in tracing both the error and also the reason leading to it. Identifying the Actual IssueAt that juncture, it was of paramount relevance for me to be able to specifically pinpoint the exact issue that brought about these unpleasant circumstances. I began an intense mental exercise and consequently, I got aware of the exact date from which my boss’s approach towards me started to be indifferent. Immediately, I began a very careful and meticulous study of the two documents having the tasks completed by me, one pertaining to the above date and the other one to the previous day.

A careful study ensured that there were no errors in the first document. But a similar mode of study of the second one made me realize that there was indeed a major error, the likes of which do not befit a professional of my experience. It was a rather major flaw, and in fact, I was surprised that my name is still not removed from the company’s rolls! Then, it became my bound obligation to undo the damage caused by me, and that too as swiftly as possible, so that I could regain the prior image of a committed worker.

And it was here that I decided to adopt the strategy of means-end analysis in minimizing the damage.Means-End Analysis“The means-end analysis is a pattern of tackling various problems, by becoming aware of the actual end result and comparing it with the ideal outcome, which should have been realized in the given situation. Consequently, this comparison would effectively focus on the variation between the actual and the ideal scenario. At that point in time, this analysis necessitates the bringing of an operator into play, so as to substantially reduce the above variation.

” (“Means – end Analysis”, Answers.com, 2010)I scrupulously adhered to all the steps enumerated by the strategy of means-end analysis, and the same would be elaborated in the next section.Method Adopted As per this strategy, I first made a very careful note of my present predicament, and compared the same with the situation that would have existed, had I properly handled the task in question. As stated by the means-end analysis, there was indeed a major variation between both the scenarios – the variation there being inclusive of my boss’s indifference, comments on my unofficial demotion, and other related unwanted things.

It was then imperative for me to bring an operator into play that significantly bridges the gap brought about by the above-mentioned difference. Here, it needs to be noted that all these circumstances resulted from my inability to complete that task, which in actuality, should be a simple one for me. Hence, the logical conclusion is that I should now be proving myself by successfully addressing a task that is a slightly complicated one for my experience and qualification. And in fact, I decided that this complicated task would be my operator for reducing the difference between both the scenarios.

Then, much against the advice of some co-workers, I volunteered to handle an intricate task on my own. Also, I gave a commitment in writing that, I would be solely responsible for any problems arising from this decision of mine. It was a big risk, but I had no other choice! Subsequently, I spent almost two full days on the task, giving my entire attention to each and every minute detail. Also, I was entailed to study a lot of literature on the task, as it is not an area of my expertise. Finally, owing to all these efforts, I managed to attain phenomenal success, and the entire organization, including my boss, showered praises on me.

And it goes without saying that, my earlier error is now forgotten by everyone! It is now a few months since all that took place, and very shortly, I would be promoted as a manager. Thanks to the “means-end analysis”!