Bob Knowlton Case
I. Summary of the Case
The case study centred around a successful newly appointed project head, Bob Knowlton. Bob recently received the position from his friend and former project head, Dr Jerrold. All was going well until a new member, Simon Fester joined the team.
Simon soon proved to be more capable and more idealistic than Bob and his team in every aspect. In the short term, his knowledge and idealistic nature proved to be an asset to the team.
As the case goes on, we can say that Simon eventually overshadowed his peers and became more and more distant. The group started to break and eventually, Bob Knowlton resigned because he felt threatened by his own colleague which is Simon Fester. Dr. Jerrold was stunned by Bob’s action for he had always felt his relationship with him had been warm and that Bob was satisfied and, as a matter of fact, quite happy and productive. The photon lab was hard hit, the leadership of the lab was given to Link, the mathematician of the group, with the understanding that this would be temporary until someone could come in to take over.
II. Problem
Bob Knowlton suddenly quits his job and found a better position with slightly better salary. But, Jerrold and Fester felt shocked on Knowlton’s decision. No one knew why Knowlton abruptly left the photon lab. Now, the lab’s project is in jeopardy.
III. Objectives
To identify the factors that triggered Bob Knowlton’s action
To understand the behaviour of each person involved in the case which resulted to the stated problem
To provide actions that can help avoid the likes of Bob Knowlton’s decision in the future
IV. Areas of Consideration
Behavior of the actors that contributed to the problem/conflict:
Knowlton:
- Introversion: He enjoyed quiet and private time going over work by himself. He seldom voice out what he thinks/ opinions. He did not express his own emotions/ difficulties to others as he dislike conflict with the team members.
- Responsible:
The case study centred around a successful newly appointed project head, Bob Knowlton. Bob recently received the position from his friend and former project head, Dr Jerrold. All was going well until a new member, Simon Fester joined the team.
Simon soon proved to be more capable and more idealistic than Bob and his team in every aspect. In the short term, his knowledge and idealistic nature proved to be an asset to the team.
As the case goes on, we can say that Simon eventually overshadowed his peers and became more and more distant. The group started to break and eventually, Bob Knowlton resigned because he felt threatened by his own colleague which is Simon Fester. Dr. Jerrold was stunned by Bob’s action for he had always felt his relationship with him had been warm and that Bob was satisfied and, as a matter of fact, quite happy and productive. The photon lab was hard hit, the leadership of the lab was given to Link, the mathematician of the group, with the understanding that this would be temporary until someone could come in to take over.
II. Problem
Bob Knowlton suddenly quits his job and found a better position with slightly better salary. But, Jerrold and Fester felt shocked on Knowlton’s decision. No one knew why Knowlton abruptly left the photon lab. Now, the lab’s project is in jeopardy.
III. Objectives
To identify the factors that triggered Bob Knowlton’s action
To understand the behaviour of each person involved in the case which resulted to the stated problem
To provide actions that can help avoid the likes of Bob Knowlton’s decision in the future
IV. Areas of Consideration
Behavior of the actors that contributed to the problem/conflict:
Knowlton:
- Introversion: He enjoyed quiet and private time going over work by himself. He seldom voice out what he thinks/ opinions. He did not express his own emotions/ difficulties to others as he dislike conflict with the team members.
- Responsible: