Final Project Submission: Summary of Findings

Analyzing Heuristics to De-escalate Conflict

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Heuristics in Transcripts

In this section, the most relevant heuristics in the final case study will be analyzed. A heuristic is a technique or approach that is used to promote problem-solving or self-discovery that employs a method that is not optimal, rational, or perfect (Pogarsky et al., 2017). However, the method that is applied is effective for reaching a short-term approximation or goal.

Several heuristics can be found from the transcripts that have been provided in the final case study. The first instance of heuristic is witnessed during Kareem’s interview with the ER Rep. He indicates that according to him he was doing a nice job and he loved his job. Thus, he was caught off-guard by the decision to terminate him. Although he indicates that he was complimented sometimes for doing a good job and promoting customer relationships, he acknowledged the working conditions and he did not talk about his religion to anyone. According to him, he indicated that he did not want any special treatment. However, he hid which is against the company policy. Additionally, he thought that being complimented was all it took to look successful and working well. He indicates, “Well, no, I did not want to ask for any type of special treatment; I really thought I could sneak away and pray. I just hoped no one noticed.”

Another instance of heuristic is portrayed in Janet’s interview with the ER Rep. She indicated that she was not involved in firing Kareem thus she did not have anything to blame. She tries to evade the issue at the time. Although she acknowledges that Thomas prefers a high-productivity environment and his decision is final, she does nothing to make the situation better. She indicates that “Thomas does not really talk to any of us. He is kind of intense and when he makes his mind up about something, we all go along with it.“

Michael indicated that “No I didn’t think it was any of my business. I guess he was doing some form of praying. I don’t know” during his conversation with the ER Rep. He indicates that whatever Kareem did was none of his business. However, he went ahead and reported him without trying to correct him first. It can be argued that he did that out of personal will as he did not like Kareem putting less effort.

Impressions of Bias

The heuristics that occurred or were witnessed in the business resulted in an impression of bias in the workplace. One of the biases that affected the interactions at the workplace was attitude of Thomas. All the employees of ABC corporation that were witnessed indicated that Thomas was a person that only wanted high productivity in any means that the employee would achieve that (Toplak et al., 2017). He did not consult the others when making his decisions and what he said is final. Janet indicates that she thought there was a chance to rectify everything if they would have talked to Kareem but Thomas would not tolerate that. His attitude and behavior resulted in bias in the organization on different levels. Firstly, he created an intense work environment where people would not share openly, and secondly, he did not consult or want to hear any person’s side of the story.

Another impression of bias occurs in Michael’s conversation. He indicates that he found Kareem to have funny bathroom practices as well as talking to himself in several instances and he thought he was praying. However, instead of asking him or talking to him, he indicates that it was none of his business. However, he went forward to report him to Janet, the supervisor. He should have talked to him or advised him on how the work was done there. Moreover, no employee apart from Janet talked to Kareem to ask him what was going on. He was not given a chance to explain himself indicating that there was bias in the way the other employees handled his issue. They tended to do all the reporting and spying behind his back. Perhaps engaging with him would have resulted in a better solution other than firing him.

Positively Benefit

Various strategies may be recommended for implementation to help the stakeholders use their past experiences to positively benefit similar interactions in the future. One of the strategies that should be implemented is the formulation of a policy that details the circumstances that can lead to the termination of an employee. Thus, during the interview, the employee will know what they should do. Additionally, the employees should be given at least two warnings before being fired. That will ensure that they are given a chance to correct their deeds.

References

Pogarsky, G., Roche, S. P., & Pickett, J. T. (2017). Heuristics and biases, rational choice, and sanction perceptions. Criminology, 55(1), 85-111.

Toplak, M. E., West, R. F., & Stanovich, K. E. (2017). Real‐world correlates of performance on heuristics and biases tasks in a community sample. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 30(2), 541-554.