Analysis of ‘The Bobs’ Interview
Instutional AffilationAnalysis of ‘The Bobs’ Interview
There are several things that The Bobs did right in the interview. For instance, he and his associate were able to remain calm and composed despite the fact that Peter seemed to be disorganized and unprepared for the interview. He was also able to ask Peter some questions that would help in job analysis and work flow analysis. For example, he asks Peter what his typical work day is like. Such a question can help in understanding the activities a worker is involved in during a working day and how they are undertaken
What is ‘wrong’ about how “The Bobs” conducted the interview?
Several things are wrong in regard to how The Bobs conducts the interview. For example, he introduces himself and his associate even before the interviewee settles down and also fails to inform Peter the reasons why they are undertaking the interview (Livingston et al, 1956). Proper introductions are necessary to help in rapport building between the interviewers and the interviewee. The Bobs also fails to ask several important questions that would have made the session more effective. For example, when Peter mentioned about having 8 bosses, he would have sought to understand the organizational chart/structure as perceived by Peter and how that impacts on production on workers in general.
How would you approach this situation differently in order to make this interview more effective?
Firstly, I would have given Peter an opportunity to settle down and make sure that he understands the implications of being involved in the interview. After noticing he looked, disorganized, I would have asked if he would be more comfortable if we did the interview on a later date. I would also ensure that I get to understand, why Peter says he reports to the job 15 minutes late, whether he thinks that working for 15 minutes per week is fair to him and to the employer, and also ask what he thinks should be done to help improve the current situation in the organization. For instance, I would inquire whether he thinks job rotation could help him and other employees feel more motivated, and ask him to suggest way in which the organization could utilize job enrichment to enhance motivation in the organization.
Do you Think Peter is the “typical worker”? Are his concerns valid?
I think Peter is not a typical worker. In many cases, a typical worker would be cautious in revealing that he works for 15 minutes in any given week and that he always comes late to work. The typical worker would be concerned about the impacts of such an interview and would be more interested in raising points that would help in making the workplace better for him and others. However, Peter raises valid concerns in regard to motivation. Many unmotivated workers exhibit very low levels of motivation. He also reveals that his organization lacks clear job specifications, especially because the one person is answerable to about 8 superiors.
When peter states that it is “a problem of motivation”how would you realistically address this situation?
I would follow with questions to help understand whether the problem is with Peter or other members of the organization feeling the same too. I would also want to know what else apart from having 8 bosses that contributed to the situation. I would also ask Peter to suggest ways through which he believed that the problem could be addressed. I would also offer my suggestions on how the situation could be addressed and assess how Peter reacted to them.
Reference
Livingston, R., Aniston, J., Root, S., & Cole, G. (1956). Mike Judge. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment(Firm);1999. (Video clip 41:17-43:51)
