Dark Side Case: No Smoke without Fire? The Power Play Between Employee Autonomy and Employer Authority

Abstract

This case is the a story of a family-owned small- and medium-sized (SME) company “Steel Ltd”, which was founded around 30 years ago and employs approximately 100 people. The new generation of management has concentrated on developing processes, technologies and productivity extensively in the company during the last decade. One of their missions has been to improve employees’ productivity by pushing end enabling them to develop their physical condition and health. As part of their strategy, they launched strict smoking restrictions as the first step towards a smoke-free company. Unfortunately, disagreements between employees and management has increased alongside these actions. Many of the workers smoke, and as a result, smoking restrictions implemented by top management were one of the last nails on the coffin that inflamed the atmosphere in the company. This case leads us to examine the dynamics behind the chasm between owners & top management and employees and to consider different approaches and managerial practices that could mitigate the tensions and contradictions in the case company. Pedagogically, it particularly develops competencies that students need in working life: critical thinking, analyzing skills, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities. It is an application of an in-basket exercise, where students need to gain understanding of a messy situation with contradicting views. In the assignments, students will consider ethical paradoxes, power structures and dilemmas of inclusiveness.