RJFT Task 1

Bill Bailey, Chairman of the Board of the Utah Opera Organization, could perhaps use the Adam’s Equity Theory of Motivation to oppose the merger based on fairness to the opera. The symphony has no flexibility in when it chooses to appropriate funds for concerts whereas the opera can make key decisions on spending based on funds raised beforehand.

Now I wouldn’t take to extreme measures to believe that trustees from the opera would retaliate against trustees of the symphony, but the fairness of how each is ran in regards to the merger could cause some animosity amongst the members of both. Now generally this model is derived from an employee-employer relationship, but I see no reason why this can’t be two organizations and their relationship especially when it’s related to a possible merger of said organizations.

This brings about the issue of a positive and negative inequity for both the trustees of the opera as well as the ones of the symphony. Will the symphony gain a level of flexibility that works well with the opera or will the opera have a more rigid schedule to follow so that both have adequate time to showcase their arts? These questions must be addressed in order to add stability to both parties when discussing the merger. “Feelings of inequity revolve around a person’s evaluation of whether he or she receives adequate rewards to compensate for his or her contributive inputs” (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2010). Does the symphony get to use funds raised by the opera, or must they use their own funds? What would be fair to both parties? Key questions to the fairness of this merger.

I would say that Scott Parker would utilize Vroom’s Expectancy Theory of Motivation to persuade Mrs. Abravanel to support the merger. If she believes that there is no other way to keep the symphony afloat as well as believes that the symphony will continue to be on top of the opera house as far as billing is concerned then she would be more supportive of the merger.

“Expectancy theory can be used to predict motivation and behavior in any situation in which a choice between two or more alternatives must be made” (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2010). We know by Mrs. Abravanel’s comments that she believes her deceased husband would rather see the symphony disbanded than play as second billing to anyone. If Scott Parker, could ensure that the symphony would still be receiving priority as an elite group in the area after the merger with the opera, then Mrs. Abravanel would be more likely to support the merger as the financially stability of both would be more assured during tough times.

Personal power versus positional power can be summed up into one statement. Positional power you attain through belongings and status that can be taken away, and on the other hand, Personal power is something you have inside you that can never be taken away such as a driving spirit or the ability to persuade others.

Anne Ewers has the ability to be truly successful in leading the merger between the Utah Symphony and the Utah Opera House. Her background is well documented and she has shown to be very successful with other similar organizations. Her ability to successfully alleviate financial debts while stockpiling generous reserve funds is an essential part of making this merger work during a financial crisis within the United States.

As part of her budget-raising, she has successfully received donations which would help in accumulating funds towards both the symphony and opera. Her status within the organizations should prove useful in motivating members of both houses to rally around the merger, which will boost morale and alleviate feelings of discomfort. Financial data from the Opera House has shown how beneficial Anne will be with keeping both houses afloat and within good standing in the community.

Anne’s personal power will be useful in getting Keith Lockhart on board during the time of the merger. Through understanding of the conductor’s feelings and how Keith would have power to veto any idea that was passed up the chain just as much as Anne is. This helps to keep a balance of power that Anne could use to her favor. Using people skills she has learned through dealing with so many organizations in her time, she can find a way to work with Keith and empower him to stay in charge of the symphony whereas the opera would be more under her control. Giving him a sense of self worth will boost his morale as well as make him feel as if he is leading this merger as well.

A possible issue with the musicians may lie with them receiving a full one year contract as well as a yearly salary. Something the opera performers do not receive. If the musicians feel as if they are not receiving proper treatment, they may decide to jump ship and take their performance elsewhere. Anne would need to discuss with Keith a remedy to this issue that works well for all parties being discussed. The musicians need to know they are receiving the same treatment as opera house performers and vice versa. Perhaps they could offer both sides a contract deal and salary that won’t stretch the budget beyond a reasonable amount as well as ensuring that only people are paid for the work they actually perform. Because the musicians are represented by a union organization, these dealings would have to go directly through them and could never go around them. If she attempts to supersede the union, this could also cause the musicians to leave the symphony in search of better accommodations.

Anne needs to use her skills of persuasion as well as giving the opera personnel goals in to which they can attain. Through these accomplishments, they will feel like they are truly part of the merger and feel like they are part of the team. The one thing that Anne needs to avoid is organizational decline. If the productivity starts to decline, they will lose stakeholders on both sides causing a decrease in revenue attained. Low morale would be a prime example of a decline that should be avoided through exercises to boost the morale of employees.