Moss and McAdams Accounting Firm

"Moss and McAdams Accounting Firm"

Section I. Introduction.

There are three essentials of leadership; courage, clarity, and humanity. In ancient times, these three essentials showed the leadership of an organization whether or not it can thrive. All three must exist, because courage without humanity is like knowing how to reap but not to sow. Humanity without clarity is like having a field but not plowing it (Cleary, 1993).

An organization such as Moss and McAdams (M&M) should have leadership that oversees courage, clarity, and humanity within its employment environment. In this case, we have an employee Bruce Palmer who has been employed by M&M for over six years and was recently promoted to lead an audit. The firms' primary service is auditing - it is the bread and butter of the firm. However, the firm hopes to capture 40 percent of its growth over the next five years through consulting services. This hopes created competition for resources within the firm that requires attention by its leadership. Mr. Palmer, the account manager in charge of auditing is in competition with Ken Crosby, the new account manager in charge of consulting. Both are in competition for the services of key employee, Zeke Olds. The competition began when personnel manager, Ruby Sands, assigns Mr. Olds to both Mr. Palmer and Mr. Crosby (Gray & Larson, 2009).

In this document, we will explain how one would respond if one were Peter at the end of the case. Then, we will discuss what Palmer could do, if anything, to avoid losing Olds. Next, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of matrix type organizations that are apparent in this case. Finally, we will discuss what the management at M&M can do to more effectively manage situations like what occurred in the case.

Section II. Explain how you would respond if you were Peter at the end of the case.

In an organization such as M&M, communication is how one would respond. This communication will be sent at all levels to make sure the objectives are clear, project priorities are made, and deals are cut upfront. The complication in this case is derived from lack of written communication and understanding of priorities. There should be periodic report concerning the progress of each project. The leadership of the organization should be clear about its objectives so that projects can be prioritized in the event of conflict - the leaders can put a stop to the conflict as it arises such as the one that is occurring between Mr. Palmer and Mr. Crosby. In this case, Mr. Palmer should show courage and open communication channels at all levels, thereby fostering direct and respectful discussions to all involved, including top management. The objective of communication is to seek a solution that is a win-win for both parties and inline with company objectives. A support system or sponsorship must be achieved to insure the win-win solution. Straightforward communication allows a matrix organization to manage conflict and balancing the desired result in order to create value (Higgins & Kriescher, 2012).

Section III. Discuss what Palmer could do, if anything, to avoid losing Olds.

With the intended result of communication, Palmer could leverage his project as the bread and butter of the firm which should be prioritized over Crosby's project. He can make the argument to upper management that the future will not exist until the firm takes care of today. As such, Palmer should request project sponsorship from upper management and clients. This will provide Palmer the credibility to eventually win over Sands and Olds. However, Olds currently is leaning heavily towards consulting which is more fun for him. A deal should be cut with him to finish the current project to the satisfaction of its stakeholder, only then Olds can be transferred to the position that he likes. The idea here is finish what has been started, prioritize, and focus on company objectives.

Section IV. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a matrix type organization that are apparent in this case.

In a matrix organization, there exist a tradeoff between advantages