In the article “Who’s to Blame for Creating a Toxic Organizational Culture (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.” Guthrie presents the position that as the leader, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was responsible for harboring an environment that led to what was termed Bridgegate. Based upon what you have learned thus far about leadership and organizational culture, do you support or refute Guthrie’s position? Cite at least one source to support perspective. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.
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REPLY TO EDWARDS DISCUSSION:
I support Guthrie’s position on New Jersey governor Chris Christie being responsible for bridge gate because he had to have some type of awareness to the situation before it blew up through one his advisors. “Staff authority consists of the right to advise, or give advice. Functional authority is the right to direct but not to discipline” (Baack, 2017, p. 11.1). Just like any person in a high leadership position, they have a group of advisors that give them recommendations on what to do or say in certain situations. The New Jersey governor had to have known something about the corruption through his staff.
In my opinion, he either chose to ignore the situation or he told his advisors that it was their responsibility to fix the situation. In regards to any leader, their toughest responsibility is to be the speaker and address any issues, concerns, or apologies to the public. “They’re shocked by the unethical or illegal conduct and righteously denounce the perpetrators and their actions—all followed by swift firings or a harsh scolding” (Guthrie, 2014). He simply showed false empathy to the public and covered his laziness or nonchalant attitude towards the corruption by firing people who worked underneath him.
While the staff members had some dealings with what happened, it was the governor’s responsibility to oversee their day to day actions. To save himself from getting fired, he terminated some of his staff members which is not being a true leader. True leader who have taken blame for the situation and stepped down from rankings.
References
Baack, D. (2017). Organizational behavior. [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://ashford.content.edu (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Guthrie, D. (2014, Jan. 16). Who’s to blame for creating a toxic organizational culture? Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougguthrie/2014/01/16/whos-to-blame-for-creating-a-toxic-organizational-culture/#c909d64335bd (Links to an external site.)
REPLY TO QUENTINS DISCUSSION:
Politics is one of the most interesting aspects in this country and is filled with controversy and corruptness. It is hard for me to sit here and believe that Gov. Christie was not cognizant of the fact that Bridgegate was not going to take place. Many are quick to lie and say this or that to keep the blame off of them. This was a prime case of line authority and top-down authority, which flows from the top to the bottom. Even if he did not know, when he found out, what did he do or what could have been done to counteract this threat to public safety. What I have noticed among some politicians is that they are quick to say what they are going to do when they get into office but we know that happens only a few times. This is highly unethical and puts the trust of the people on edge because we do not know who is really for the people. Guthrie stated, “If you create a culture of lying, bullying and deceit, whether or not you direct people to take those actions, your staff likely will follow suit.” This reminds me of the game, “Simon says.” If the leader does it then it is understood that the staff can do it as well.
In an effort to not be succumbed to this type of happening again, leaders have to ask themselves what type of people they need around them. Leaders are “more likely to be effective in achieving change or finishing a project if your group includes a variety of personality types: the ideas person, the visionary, the person who counsels caution, the one who insists on thinking through every detail, the completer-finisher” (Mason, 2006, p. 20). Leaders should always employ those better than them.
Baack, D. (2017). Organizational behavior. [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://ashford.content.edu
Guthrie, D. (2014, January 16). Who’s to blame for creating a toxic organizational culture? Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/dougguthrie/2014/01/16/whos-to-blame-for-creating-a-toxic-organizational-culture/
Mason, C. (2006). Leadership. What makes a good leader? Primary Health Care, 16(10), 18-20.
