Fijian Case Study

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As for Salome Suake, she has all the elements needed to commit the act. She has the pressure that is money, that every salary person is looking for. She saw her opportunity as she is handling with receiving money from customers and she believes that she will never get caught as she has “Tau” relationship with her supervisor, Moala Tukana. At the same time for the rationalization, she used people believe that what is she doing is not for herself but in the name of church. Although no church representative came to support her claimed, instead, the Hotel Workers’ Union come to appealed on Salome’s behalf that she was unduly influenced by the church to raise fund for the church building and the money is not for her own use.

The other problems that have been identify under workers’ attitude is Moala Tukana abuse of power that lead to irresponsible act as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager in the Food and Beverage Department. As mention in the case study, Moala Tukana notice about Salome activities of stealing money, but he did not do any report or give any punishment to Saloma. It shows that Moala did not fulfil his duties. Moala, as a Salome superior, needs to take an action as she has done misconduct (fraud), which is one of the most important things a company would like to avoid. And as part of the company's policy, Moala was also suspended under the charge of abetting the crime.

The abetting or assisting suicidal behavior refers to the subject with no cognition error and normal spirit. In other words, the subjects of “suicide”, “abetting or assisting suicide” in criminal sense are definitely normal adults with full criminal responsibility and free will. According to the theory that abetting or assisting suicidal behavior is viewed as subordination in joint offense, since the acts involved in the implementation of suicide is not a crime, the abetting or assisting suicidal behavior does not constitute a crime either (Zongsheng Xu, Xue Jiang, 2016). In this case study, Moala act are by his own free will without being forced from anyone. Although during the inquiry he raised the issue about the “Tau” but it’s not acceptable in term of company’s policy. He should discuss the problem his faced to his superior as soon as he knows.

2.2 Fijian Customs and Culture Practices - “Tau” Relationship

Cross-cultural management is obviously important and has a great effect on the success of international business operations. Cullen and Parvoteeah (2008) have reported that international business management is inseparable from the sphere of patterned cultural behaviors because culture is represented in terms of the pervasive and shared beliefs, norms, values, and symbols that guide the everyday life of different groups of people. International managers have to decide to choose and adjust their strategies aligned with each country’s culture. In this case, Mr. Brett is facing a dilemma on how to tackle and decide on this issue, especially towards Moala. His decision will need to be fair and seen fair to all the staffs where he has to consider both local customs and also his Fijians workers.

It is viewed that the indigenous Fijians are strictly guided by their customs and culture practices which is also one of the problem identified. One of the elders from the tribe approached Brett Taylor after Moala had been suspended, whereby Moala's ancestor is in debt to Salome's ancestors, which resulted in an unbreakable relationship called "Tau". By virtue, this bond allows Salome to do anything she pleased in Moala's home. Moala is not able to restrain Salome's action, as Yanuca Island (where FIJIAN hotel is situated), is traditional land possessed by Moala's tribe, in which by extension of his family, is considered his home. That is why, Moala is not able to prevent Salome from stealing or reprimand her. However, this relationship is uncommon and unknown even among the tribes.

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- ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES

This section will discuss the alternative strategies that can be implemented to overcome the problem of the case study.

- Disciplinary Action

A thorough investigation should be conducted, to consider the two cases. For Salome case, her negative’s attitude towards her work demonstrate absence of trustworthiness. Being caught in the act of taking cash from a client is a proof that Salome's lack of integrity in her work. Using "Tau" as a reason is certainly not acceptable; since no such reason was used by any of the staff since the organization incorporation, since 30 years back. Salome is clearly taking advantage of this relationship by hailing Moala as the "Tau".

In this specific case, Moala and Salome, who are as of now being suspended, should be punished because of their wrongdoing issue. The management may consider terminating Salome. Keeping Salome, may jeopardize organization reputation in the eyes of the customer. Keeping Salome, may risk a similar incident to happen in the future, hence, option for termination may be the best choice for the company for Salome case. While for Moala, based on his excellent track records (other than Salome’s case) and his potential, the management may consider keeping him in the company. However, as a lesson, management may either relocate him to other location (lateral movement).

- Culture Officer

As for second alternative strategy, suggested for appointment of a new local-officer at FIJIAN Hotel. The new local-officer is expected to assist Brett Taylor in running the hotel, especially in matters related to local traditional practices and custom. As Brett is an expatriate American who just taking over the FIJIAN, he need all the information and support about the local traditional culture, practices and customs of the Fijian. The newly appointed officer will be in-charge all the cross-cultural matters and assist or to advice Brett on related to this issues.

Due to limited number of choices among current local talent, Brett may face difficulties in getting the right local-officer. Moala, the young local potential talent, who is next in-line, may not be able to be appointed as the local-manager as he is currently being suspended under the charge of abetting crime. However, this new appointment is necessary to avoid any issues related to cross-cultural issues in the future.

- Strengthen Company Policy

For the third alternative strategy,