Question

question 12

pavlav is faced with a decision about whether or not to promote john, one of his sales associates. john is a top performer, but his arrogance is off-putting. the truth is that pavlav doesnt like john very much. pavlav knows that sentiment is affecting his ability to make a decision.

what is the best way to proceed?

• avoid making the decision altogether because he knows he is not objective.
• do not promote john even though he is a top performer. pavlavs feelings are important, too.
• confer with others on how they feel about the prospect of john being promoted.
• promote john because he is a top performer; his personal opinions of john dont matter.

Explanation:

Analyze the managerial dilemma

Pavlav is facing a promotion decision regarding John, a top performer whom Pavlav personally dislikes due to his arrogance. Pavlav recognizes that his personal feelings (sentiment) are clouding his objectivity. In organizational behavior and human resource management, making decisions based purely on personal bias or, conversely, ignoring valid interpersonal concerns entirely can lead to poor outcomes.

Evaluate the options using objective criteria

Using the Objective Selection Criteria and Promotion Criteria knowledge points:

• Avoid making the decision altogether: This is a nonaction strategy that abdicates managerial responsibility.
• Do not promote John based on personal feelings: This relies on subjective bias rather than performance metrics, violating fair Promotion Criteria.
• Promote John solely because of performance, ignoring personal opinions: While performance is critical, ignoring interpersonal issues like arrogance entirely can damage team dynamics.
• Confer with others on how they feel about the prospect of John being promoted:

Using the Objective Selection Criteria knowledge point:
Conferring with other managers, peers, or team members helps gather multiple perspectives. This mitigates Pavlav's individual bias, provides a more balanced view of John's interpersonal skills (whether his arrogance affects others), and ensures a more objective, evidence-based decision.

Select the best course of action

Conferring with others is the most balanced, objective, and professional way to proceed when a manager recognizes their own personal bias.

Answer:

• (A) Avoid making the decision altogether because he knows he is not objective.
• (B) Do not promote John even though he is a top performer. Pavlav's feelings are important, too.
• (C) Confer with others on how they feel about the prospect of John being promoted. (Correct answer)
• (D) Promote John because he is a top performer; his personal opinions of John don't matter.