Score for This Self-Assessment Exercise

¶ … score for this self-assessment exercise was 36, just slightly below the average indicating the need for personal structure. While I was not really surprised by my score as such, I did find the questions themselves, and my responses to them, interesting. The questions appeared to address two categories of structure: structure in terms of one's personal relationship with things and events, and structure in terms of one's relationship with people. My responses in these two categories appeared quit divergent. I for example strongly dislike having to make sudden changes in my planned schedule. On the other hand, I do not believe in too rigid a daily structure; there must be some spontaneity. For this reason, I enjoy being with spontaneous people. I think this could be because I secretly want to be like them; their lives seem so much more fun than mine.

Having said this, I do believe that the exercise outcome is an accurate representation of how I perceive my tasks within the organization, and how I experience my relationships with my colleagues. While I like some degree of structure in my schedule, too much rigidity makes it boring, and I enjoy variety. In my interactions, I love to be friends with spontaneous people; many of my friends are much more spontaneous than I am.

2) 1.

In terms of stereotyping and social identity, it is unfortunate that past events in Rochelle Beauport's professional experience led her to apply the assumption of stereotyping to Syd Gilman. Because her previous boss stereotyped women, saying that they simply "couldn't take the heat," Beauport was led to believe that the same was occurring in terms of her present situation. This experience of stereotyping by her previous boss also led to Rochelle's current experience of her social identity as a woman of color, a minority in a world that is generally prejudiced towards such employees. From this perspective, she was therefore unable to understand Syd's sincere intention to reward her.

2.

The other perceptual error in the case study is committed by Syd Gilman. In his past experience, the signature promotion he was offering to Beauport was indeed a reward. He experienced it as a reward in his own past, when the promotion provided him with the opportunity to become familiar with different functions within the company. It never occurred to him that Rochelle was expecting a promotion that would provide her with more responsibility within her own department. In Syd's perception, he is therefore rewarding Rochelle, and is assuming her shocked reaction to be positive while it was anything but.

3.

It is clear that there is a significant communication gap between Rochelle and Syd in this case study. Neither is communicating effectively his or her intentions or wishes. Hence, incorrect conclusions are drawn. To minimize this sort of problem, companies should ensure that an open communication channel is maintained to promote a mutual understanding of what constitutes reward, punishment, and other factors within the organization.

3)

My scores for this Self-Assessment exercise were 5, 13 and 14 for money as power, retention time, and anxiety respectively. My score for money as power was therefore well below average, while the other two were respectively slightly below and slightly above average. My total score was 32; somewhat below average.

I was not surprised by these scores. I have very little regard for money in terms of status. I do not believe that success can be measured in one's bank balance, as there are so many personal factors that also play a role in what constitutes one's status in life. I also do not believe that this will ever change, regardless of internal or external factors. This is a consistent value that has resulted from my ability to observe and think critically about life and what is important.

In terms of retention time, I am quite conscientious regarding savings and being responsible with my spending. However, I also believe that this element in my relationship with money can do with some improvement. This will most likely change because of internal factors, such as realizing the importance of being more responsible with my money and creating a larger base of savings.

My relatively high score in the anxiety category I think is largely related to my shortcomings in the retention category. I find myself somewhat anxious when I feel that my reserves are running low. If this score changes, it will be because of external factors such as an improvement of my actions in the retention category. Of course changes in factors such as getting a higher-paying job will also reduce my score in this category.

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