Into the Fray

INTO THE FRAY

Into the Fray

January 15 , 2008

What dependencies exist ? Think not only in terms of Michael 's workplace but also , his home

Michael Feldstein was the global category director for rums at Lafleur He was agitated about the resignation of Lucien Beaumont , the SA 's vice president of US Operations and Michael though had newly joined was a contender for the newly opened position . The case pertains to the various office intrigues and politics that were rampant due to the struggle for power . Michael 's chief competitor

was Danielle Harcourt the global category director for vodkas and liqueurs . She had been at Lafleur 15 years and was practiced at what could be called either networking or office politics . There were many other contenders , the director of the fast-growing sports and health drink division and others . Outsiders were also in the running and among them was Charles Brooke , the CFO at Cazares Laird and he was well qualified for the job There was also Genevieve Basset , a former Lafleur employee , who was running a small spirits company based in the United States but who had maintained good relationships with Lafleur managers in Paris and New York . Michael was one of the company 's well-rounded executives , and his brands were consistently turning a profit . There was much discussion and speculation among the employees also . Then there was the incident in the party where Michael 's friend Albert said the Danielle was planning a campaign for the premium brands , including the ones managed by Michael and it was pointed out that Michael lacked the knack of playing office politics . Mistrust was rampant and the tension in the office was thick (p . 15-16

The atmosphere at home was pleasant though messy . Michael was married to Karen , who was the general counsel at a regional clothing company and she had given up her career to care for their family made of a nine-year daughter and a 12 year son . Michael enjoyed a good rapport with his wife and he confided everything to her (p . 17

Do Michael 's colleagues demonstrate legitimate or illegitimate political behavior ? Explain

The power for succession was indeed filled with a lot of politics and as per Michaels views , this was illegitimate . But Michaels wife said "Politics .It 's everywhere . Michael . It may seem silly to you , but you do have to know what 's going on . Danielle 's probably not thinking of it as 'stealing ' your brands she 's just trying to play it smart . You have to do the same . But be yourself-even Albert may have his own agenda In the strict and scholarly sense , this behaviour could be termed as illegitimate , but the issue was an appointment as the vice president , a very high position . While personal skills and competence were valued almost all the contenders had it . The position of VP calls for using networking and friends to the full and the person who was the most influential , would become the VP (p . 17-18...