What This Document Is
This document is a case study – “Sticker Shock” – designed for use in an Organizational Behavior course (MGMT 1021) at Boston College. It presents a real-world scenario involving internal conflicts within a not-for-profit organization, Helping Homes, specifically focusing on challenges with a thrift store manager who operates independently and disregards organizational direction. The case is intended to illustrate core concepts in organization development and change.
Why This Document Matters
This case study is valuable for students preparing for careers in management, human resources, or organizational leadership. It’s used to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical organizational challenges. It’s particularly relevant when exploring how organizational strategy, culture, structure, and human resource policies interact to impact overall performance. Instructors use this case to stimulate discussion and application of organizational behavior principles.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This case study presents a *situation* – it does not offer a definitive “solution.” It requires critical thinking and analysis to identify the underlying issues and potential interventions. It’s a starting point for discussion, not a prescriptive guide. Students will need to apply course concepts and potentially external research to develop recommendations.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes: a detailed narrative of the “Sticker Shock” case at Helping Homes; specific teaching points designed to guide classroom discussion; and connections to broader organizational behavior theories (including references to Galbraith, Seijts, and Watkins). This preview provides a summary of the case’s central conflict and its relevance to the course. It does *not* include the full case text, discussion questions, or the instructor’s detailed analysis of potential solutions. It also does not include Figure 2 referenced in the text.
