BRIGHT AND DEDICATED: WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

Some jobs are not always what they seem to be. In the case study “Bright and Dedicated” we get to look at some of the hurdles a newly hired controller (Susan Reynolds) must face . We will then look at ways to improve an unstructured organization like Marco Pictures Inc. and remove the obstacles that Susan has encountered.

Case Objectives and Use

The case demonstrates the need for companies to identify specific knowledge, skills, and ability requirements for positions and the need to use proper selection and placement procedures to determine potential success of candidates and to address consequences that may occur when performance expectations are not fully and clearly communicated in the hiring and training process. It further illustrates the importance for individuals to clearly assess their strengths and weaknesses, to evaluate how those play into their potential success, and to assume responsibility their own careers. The case addresses motivation, leadership, communication, selection, training, and performance evaluation. It was written for use in undergraduate and graduate level courses in organizational behavior, human resource management, and accounting.

Case Synopsis

Susan Smith, a successful auditor with a big-six public accounting firm was hired into the position of controller in the accounting department of Marco Pictures, a medium-sized, highly successful motion picture company. Having just received her first yearly Employee Evaluation Review, Susan is very upset at what she was told and what appeared in the written document. Anita Jones, the Vice-President of Finance to whom Susan reported, indicated in the review that Susan was a valuable addition to the accounting department; she was reliable, had strong technical skills, and had been very helpful in completing projects. However,