Situation Analysis

Wendy Peterson the main protagonist in the case faces a dilemma of either to bow down to the
request of Fred Wu, the other protagonist in the case or to let him go. Wendy Peterson is the
Vice President of sales for AccountBack’s Plano, Texas Office. Peterson Joined the Organization
after graduating at the top of her Ivy League University class in 2000. An arduous person with
the will to achieve big things in her professional career. Her excellence in the work has brought
laurels for her from both client-side and colleagues. She has been described as a doer-takes
initiative to implement the idea. She believes in the collegial culture which would improve
productivity and revenue of the organization. Many in the organization believed that she tried to
promote an open culture where she is approachable by anyone in the organization. Many
appreciated her efforts to organize team dinner and get together activities which have led to
promote a very amiable atmosphere in the office.

Fred Wu the other protagonist in the case is being hired by Peterson because of his confidence,
business knowledge and proficiency over Mandarin. He was given the opportunity to take
AccountBack business to the recently developing Chinese companies in the region. Wu is an
introvert person who doesn’t like to share much with the people around. He has a calm demeanor
and keeps things personally. He has a knack of learning things and keeps himself up to date with
current technological changes. He offers to share this knowledge on the subject concerned with
the people around them. However, he is reluctant to share much of his personal opinions, ideas,
concerns with the people around and keeps a low profile in the office. He is responsible and
committed to the task assigned to him. He has his own ways to deal with the situation.

The conflict arises when Peterson who has had a beautiful run in the organization tries to expect
certain things as planned by herself (?). She wants to see Fred Wu more in the office rather than
at an expensive dinner and lunch (how did we arrive at this?). She expects him to report all his
findings and discuss the further strategy on how to proceed with the potential clients. Fu, on the
other hand, believes that he is an independent strategist and takes a certain decision without
consulting her that strains the relationship. Further, he being obstinate about the personal
assistant which fuels the deteriorating relationship between them.

Problem Statement

What are the ways in which Wendy Peterson can resolve this conflict without letting his
potential employee, Fred Wu go? – Needs to reframe the problem statement – What are the
ways? – Doesn’t make sense.