Managers must ensure normal functioning of an organization through conflict management to ensure that there is less conflict in the workplace. Forgiveness is one of conflict management strategy where managers or employees forgive each other to ensure a stable working environment. The following discussion analyzes LTL case of forgiveness and its relation to biblical scriptures.
Question 1: Compare the way the case at LTL Trucking reflects forgiveness with the way Scripture teaches us to forgive. What are the similarities and differences? How can leaders shape the way this concept is applied in the workplace?
LTL case presents a conflict situation that leads to disagreement between both parties since each side considered itself right. However, Sam and John decided to forgive each other to ensure effective workflow and improvement of their relationship. This strategy changed everything in the workplace since it enabled them to strive to working together by determining what needs to be achieved and ways of achieving the set objective (Barclay, Whiteside & Aquino, 2013). The case reflects Jesus teachings on forgiveness where he taught that people should forgive as much as they can to those who wrong them. In Matthew 18:21-22 Jesus told peter that one ought to forgive seventy-seven times to show that people should pardon those who sin against them. Managers should forgive the employees who go against the organizational policies or rules set by the company to ensure normal working condition (Pollack & Bosse, 2014). Forgiveness enables both parties to reconcile hence a normal working environment.
The bible also teaches us to forgive since we shall also be forgiven. For instance, in Luke 6:37, the scripture requires as to forgive since God will also forgive us. This is also reflected in the case study since both parties are also able to forgive each other despite the argument between about the organization policies. Forgiveness offers an opportunity for the other party to forgive since they understand that they will also be forgiven if they are wrong (Migliore, 2014). The difference between the scripture and the LTL case is that there is an instance reward for forgiveness in the workplace since the company became successful. However, in Bible, the reward is that God will also forgive an individual sin in heaven. Leaders can shape ways the concept is applied by forgiving their workers or followers without expecting forgiveness from them if they are on the wrong (Barclay, Whiteside & Aquino, 2013).
Question 2: What Biblical connections can be made to the values displayed by this case? Are these values discussed in current business/organizational literature?
In the case of LTL, there are various biblical value connections that can be made. The first value is honesty. Both parties worked honestly to achieve the set target without undermining their agreement. The second value is faith. Faith value occurs since both Sam and John have faith with each other that each of them will work according to the set plan to ensure that there is minimal conflict and the customers are satisfied with the company (Migliore, 2014). The bible insists on the need for faith and honesty in the society through various Jesus teachings. The virtue of honesty is discussed in the Scriptures to ensure that Christians understand why they should be honest with each other (Pollack & Bosse, 2014). John is eager to return to the terminal office due to the honest discussion they had with Sam. This shows that honesty develops trust between parties that have divergent opinions on a certain matter (Woodyatt & Wenzel, 2014).
The values of honesty, trust, and faith have been discussed in several current business literature where different scholars argue that the managers need to develop a trusting relationship with the employees to ensure that there is minimal conflict. In addition, they require total honesty between managers and the employees when engaging in employees’ issues and organizational policies (Migliore, 2014). Finally, the current business literature stresses the need for employees having faith on their managers and the managers having faith on their workers.
References
Barclay, L., Whiteside, D., & Aquino, K. (2013). To Avenge or Not to Avenge? Exploring the Interactive Effects of Moral Identity and the Negative Reciprocity Norm. J Bus Ethics, 121(1), 15-28.
Migliore, D. L. (2014). Faith seeking understanding: An introduction to Christian theology. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Pollack, J., & Bosse, D. (2014). When do investors forgive entrepreneurs for lying?. Journal of Business Venturing, 29(6), 741-754.
Woodyatt, L., & Wenzel, M. (2014). A needs-based perspective on self-forgiveness: Addressing threat to moral identity as a means of encouraging interpersonal and intrapersonal restoration. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 50, 125-135.
