The organization designed a reward program to recognize people for “being a good sport”. Primarily employees were recognized for:

Management would however, entertain suggestions from employees if they felt someone really deserved the “good sport award”

Employees were to receive something tangible – a special pin in the shape of small golf ball. The owner was a golf fanatic, and believes the game of golf requires everyone to be a good sport and display such qualities as patience, honesty and teamwork.

In addition to the special pin, at the end of the designed period (3 months), employees who had received the pin were to attend an all-day golf tournament paid for by the company and the employees would also be paid for the day

One department manager (finance) really did not believe that their team would get into the spirit of things and declined to participate. After all how can you be a good sport when it comes to dealing with money?

The manager of the finance department scheduled a meeting with the owner. Apparently almost everyone in the organization had successfully achieved a pin. The finance team was resentful –not only were they not participating in a stupid idea –but also they would be the only ones would not get the day off with pay.

The manager complained that there should have been full consensus prior to any reward program being implemented and that they now had to deal with a very angry and resentful team.

The owner of the company capitulated. The day was turned into a staff picnic and everyone was invited to attend, but he would no longer pay the wages for the day.

1. What impact did this have on the employees in the organization?

2. What if anything could have been done to prevent the problem?

3. Was the owner’s reaction appropriate?

4. Did the finance manager have a point concerning full consensus?