Capitol University

GRADUATE SCHOOL
Cagayan de Oro City

Date: May 25, 2015

Case 5: Do we really have a say here?

Mary Grace G. Payla

MBM 1

Question No. 1: Is shared decision making appropriate for deciding about the
division of A+ money or should a different decision making method have been
used?

Shared decision making is appropriate because having different perspectives and

information can help balance out biases. Aside from being transparent, every
team member was part of the success. Though, not all of them were directly
involved because some are just support staff. But as a team each one deserved
to be heard in order to come out with the best outcome of the decision.

Question No. 2: Was Mr. Greenbaum justified in making the decision concerning
A+ money by himself because he said it was for the, “good of the children”.

Mr. Greenbaum was being fair with his decision. The school cannot be an A+
awardee without the full participation of the students. The students were actually
the main ingredient to success. While on the other hand the faculty members are
the instruments. Both the faculty and students deserved something as a reward
to their labor.

Question No. 3: Is it ever okay for a principal to suspend shared decision making
procedures after it already understood decision making method at a school?

Yes. One of the downside of shared decision making is that it is less efficient. In a
sense that it would take additional time because of the requirement of
participation. Mr. Greenbaum was being efficient, instead of spending more time
on discussion that seemed not to end. He narrowed down the topic to be
discussed with members of the council to save time, effort and at the same time
to come out with a good idea.

Question No. 4: Do you think Mr. Greenbaum’s decision concerning A+ money

the second time around would been better accepted by the faculty and staff had
he addressed them personally and at least asked for some input?
Mr. Greenbaum’s decision would have been better accepted if at least he asked
for some input from the faculty and staff. After all, it was a shared success. The
faculty and staff have the right that their ideas and opinion will be considered and
at least be heard. With what happened, Mr. Greenbaum, removes the power from
the stakeholders by shutting them out of the decision making responsibilities
regarding the issue.

Question No. 5: Besides rescinding his decision and allowing the teachers a say
in how the A+ money is spent, is there anything that Mr. Greenbaum can do to
repair his reputation with faculty and earn back their trust and respect?

Regaining trust is difficult. Once trust is destroyed, it is hard to rebuild it. Trust is
the cornerstone of work culture. A transparent and open communication helps an
organization to succeed. The situation would then depend to the teachers if they
are willing to reconcile with what happened. The best thing to do for Mr.
Greenbaum is to apologize and acknowledge his shortcomings sincerely. Second
is to note his efforts and failures. A trusting workplace affords employees a
comfortable environment for open communication, risk taking, innovation, and
achievement