Describe in a paragraph the “politics” of the Training and Management Systems Department at M R E? Who is involved and what are some of the main issues?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A main political issue in Training and Management Systems is over the merger itself and the future of the new department. Snowden Evans was given the leadership because top management felt the old leadership (Ketcham) was not effective (see Hill interview). Ketcham seems to resent this decision (though he does not actually say that in words), and to some extent a power struggle is taking place (albeit a subdued one). Some of the Training staff are also concerned about being forced to accept changes to suit the Systems unit (see Blandford interview linked from Ketcham). A key factor in the power struggle is Evans’ proposal for a computerized project tracking system for Training, which Ketcham is opposed to (either out of spite, fear of change and computer-phobia, or a combination of these). Evans has strong support from division VP Hill, and Ketcham has his company experience and support from the Training staff. In summary, Evans seems to be a “mover,” working his way up through the ranks with new ideas and directions, while encountering opposition from the “old guard” like Ketcham. Jimmie Hyatt looms like a legend over the entire organization, and his influence seems to pervade the company (we find his model planes and magazines scattered all over M R E). It is likely that Jimmie will not interfere with many of the details of running M R E due to his “laid-back” nature, but that he will occasionally step in and use his authority, so having his support on major and controversial proposals (like the project tracking system) may be crucial for Evans. However, Hyatt seems difficult to predict and has not clearly chosen sides in the Evans-Ketcham power struggle.