Case Study Analysis: Brett Jones and Hydro Generation in Tanzania

This case study examines the challenges faced by Hydro Generation in Tanzania, focusing on the actions of Brett Jones, a project liaison specialist. The analysis delves into issues of organizational culture, corruption, and ethical considerations, particularly concerning the appeasement of local spirits and nepotism in hiring practices. The study highlights the conflict between Hydro Generation's values and local customs, and the potential impact on the company's image and relationships with the Tanzanian community. Recommendations are provided to address staffing issues, promote adherence to organizational rules, and mitigate risks associated with unethical practices. The case emphasizes the importance of balancing cultural sensitivity with ethical business conduct in international projects, and ensuring that company values are upheld while respecting local traditions. This case study provides a detailed overview of the ethical dilemmas faced by Hydro Generation, including analysis of corruption and cultural impact.

CASE STUDY

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRETT JONES IN TANZANIA - WHAT TO DO WHEN A MANAGER “GOES NATIVE”?..1
Organizational culture.................................................................................................................1
Impact about corruption..............................................................................................................1
Analysis.......................................................................................................................................1
Recommendation........................................................................................................................2

BRETT JONES IN TANZANIA - WHAT TO DO WHEN A MANAGER
“GOES NATIVE”?
Organizational culture
Hydro Generation, a US based organization has flat structure as its vice president was
Graham Steinberg and Brett Jones was hired as project liaison specialist. The organization's CEO
is Lawrence Bretelet was devout Christian along with regular attendee of national prayer
breakfast. All business activities although secular must embody Christian values. Each
subordinate was with full responsibility for purpose of implementing decisions but must be
accountable for outcome.
Impact about corruption
In this case, there was presence of major issue about tribal ritual as this dam will replace
700 villagers so negotiations must be made with Tanzanian government. The river home was
with sacred spirits so with permission through Hydro Generation quarter, Jones hires specialist in
African religion so as per his advice, spirits could not be moved so appease them at right price.
Aggregately, Hydro Generation cost of $17500 for evidently appeasing those spirits. This is
referred as corruption as it is probably a sham being a pagan. This will impact image of Hydro
Generation along with offend of various Tanzania's Christian majority and Muslims within
country as well. In the similar aspect, it might be construes through some quarters as sarcasm of
tribal custom and being a contribution in hostile environment for Hydro Generation.
Analysis
It had been analysed that Brett Jones was appropriate person for this Tanazian project as
he is combination of professional training and experience with Hydro Generation and familiarity
with its host country. With the announcement of this project, Jones was highly fascinated as he
got this project. Jones was very business minded person as he could afford to live with his
upscale neighbourhood but he preferred Tanzanian neighbourhood and declined to visit churches
and club so he could form connection with local people around the place where dam was going
to be constructed. The issue created through John as it lead to nepotism for hiring employees for
Hydro Generation which is legal for Tanzania business dealings but unethical for Hydro
Generation, US based organisation and anti corruption to appease sacred spirits which will lead
to damage the brand image and offend to Tanazania's Christianity and Muslims as well.
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Recommendation
On basis of above study, it had been considered that Brett Jones was right person for
Tanzania's project as he is familiar to culture, government and has connections as well. It
comprises start-up activities such as getting license, installing telephones, utilities and finding
local people for purpose recruitment. However, it had been recommended to hydro energy or its
vice president Graham Steinberg that decision related to staffing at operational phase of project
had to be taken so he should transfer expertise who are very familiar to their organization's rule
(America) so combination of these both will lead to attain success for purpose of construction
project. In simple words, it could be elaborated the hiring practices of John could be improved
with instruction of his supervisor as nepotism is originated with risk as employee connection
might encourage in extortion process.
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