The Blow that Shook the Bank

The incidents narrated below are typical of what happens in a large organization which has unionized employees. The case tries to show the importance of having in place executives who are culturally sensitive and who realize that unions have to be carefully handled. Peripherally, it also examines the importance of being able to perform quick negotiations and come to grips with crises management, and how sometimes it could be beneficial to concede a minor point, than stick (without applying the mind) to the rules which are laid down. The incidents are based on a real life incident which happened a few years ago. They also reveal the Importance of sensitizing cross posted international officers to the realities of the workplace in the different countries in which they are based. What is applicable In Singapore will not apply in India; here unions are very powerful and they have to be handled correctly if the organization wants to avoid crises in day to day operations. Very often, unions can also make or mar the careers of officers. But above all, the incidents in the case go to prove that people management skills are perhaps at the top of the pyramid in terms of getting work to flow smoothly in an organization.