Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
Case Study 5.1
To Pad or Not to Pad?
Case Synopsis and Analysis
College senior Johann Schultz has many, but not all, of the qualifications for a position with a
cyber security firm. He has to decide whether or not to pad his qualifications when applying
for the job.
Deception is common in employment situations. This case provides readers with an
opportunity to examine the implications of lying on resumes and in job interviews.
Learning Objectives
*Students will determine if deception (lying, exaggeration) is justified on resumes.
*Students will identify the potential consequences of lying on job applications.
*Students will recognize the responsibility of organizations to uncover deception on the
part of job applicants.
Discussion Guide
Case Study 5.2
Taking Charge at the Assisted Living Facility
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Cynthia Peng faces a number of obstacles as she takes over as director of an assisted living
facility in a rural area. The facility needs to reestablish its reputation and fill its beds. Peng is
young and viewed with suspicion by older employees and community members alike.
Peng can overcome the barriers she faces with the skillful use of power and influence.
However, to do so she must carefully consider the image she wants to project to different
audiences. At the same time, she must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various
power and influence tactics.
Learning Objectives
Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
*Students will recognize sources of power.
*Students will apply ethical, effective power and influence strategies to the
challenges identified in the case.
Discussion Guide
This case can be used to test mastery of concepts presented in the chapter. Here are suggested
answers to the questions that can be used during group discussion or as a rubric for evaluating
student written responses.
1. What sources of power are available to Cynthia? Which ones should she use, and how
should she employ each using proactive influence tactics?
2. Identify the groups that Peng must influence. What image does she need to create for each
audience?
3. What impression management strategies should Cynthia use with each group?
4. How can the new director ethically communicate positive expectations to her employees?
5. What are the emotional demands faced by caregivers working at the facility? How can
Cynthia help her employees deal with these issues?
6. How can Cynthia’s supervisors at corporate headquarters help her succeed through the
communication of positive expectations?
Case Study 5.3
Flying the Unfriendly Skies
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Long lines, security checkpoints, crowded planes, limited bin space and small seats have made
flying a stressful experience for passengers and flight attendants. Greater stress has led to
emotional meltdowns involving flyers and flight staff. The case identifies pet peeves that each
group has about the other. Avoiding these irritants can help both sides ensure pleasant service
interactions.
Flying illustrates the difficulties facing both emotional laborers as well as customers in the
service encounter. Whenever either side fails to carry out its role, the consequences can be
dramatic.
Learning Objectives
*Students will identify factors that increase the stress between service providers and
customers.
*Students will identify the moral obligations flight staff and passengers have to
one another.
Discussion Guide
Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources