Chief prosecutor heading an office with a number of assistant prosecutors

Sample Solution

Rational persuasion: This strategy involves using logic and evidence to convince employees that a new task is necessary and beneficial. For example, you could explain to the attorneys that the new database will help the office to better understand and address racial and economic disparities in the death penalty.

Exchange strategy: This strategy involves offering employees rewards or incentives in exchange for taking on a new task. For example, you could promise the attorneys that they will be given credit for their work on the database in their performance evaluations.

Inspirational appeals: This strategy involves appealing to employees' values and emotions to motivate them to take on a new task. For example, you could talk to the attorneys about the importance of using their legal skills to make a difference in the world and to promote social justice.

Advantages and disadvantages of these strategies in the context of this scenario

Rational persuasion:

• Advantages: Rational persuasion is a respectful and ethical way to influence employees. It also gives employees the opportunity to learn more about the new task and to provide input.
• Disadvantages: Rational persuasion may not be effective if employees are already convinced that the new task is not necessary or beneficial.

Exchange strategy:

• Advantages: Exchange strategies can be very effective in motivating employees to take on new tasks. They can also be used to reward employees for their hard work.
• Disadvantages: Exchange strategies can create a transactional relationship between employees and leaders. They can also lead to employees feeling resentful if they do not receive the promised rewards.

Inspirational appeals:

• Advantages: Inspirational appeals can be very effective in motivating employees to take on new tasks, especially if the task is aligned with their values. They can also help to create a more positive and engaged work environment.
• Disadvantages: Inspirational appeals may not be effective if employees are not motivated by the values that are being appealed to. They can also be seen as manipulative if they are not used sincerely.

Whether to use rational persuasion or the tactic of exchange strategy

I would recommend using a combination of rational persuasion and exchange strategy to influence the attorneys to take on this new task.

Rational persuasion

I would start by explaining to the attorneys the importance of the new database and the benefits that it will bring to the office. I would also give them the opportunity to learn more about the project and to provide input.

Exchange strategy

I would then offer the attorneys rewards or incentives in exchange for taking on the project. For example, I could promise them that they will be given credit for their work in their performance evaluations, or that they will be given the opportunity to present their findings to the state attorney general's office.

Combining both strategies

By combining both rational persuasion and exchange strategy, I can increase the chances of convincing the attorneys to take on the new task. I am also showing them that I respect their time and expertise, and that I am committed to their success.

Inspirational appeals

I could also use inspirational appeals to motivate the attorneys to take on the project. For example, I could talk to them about the importance of using their legal skills to make a difference in the world and to promote social justice. I could also share stories of other attorneys who have made a positive impact on the criminal justice system.

Whether inspirational appeals would work better than pressure tactics

Inspirational appeals are more likely to work better than pressure tactics in this situation. Pressure tactics can make employees feel resentful and demotivated. Inspirational appeals, on the other hand, can help employees to see the value in the new task and to feel motivated to take it on.

Whether it was appropriate to select the two attorneys without requesting volunteers

It is appropriate to select the two attorneys without requesting volunteers, given the importance of the project and the need for experienced prosecutors to oversee it. However, it is important to explain the decision to the attorneys and to address their concerns about the project.

Whether the use of paralegals would change the dynamic as well as the work assignments

The use of paralegals could help to reduce the workload on the attorneys. However, it is important to ensure that the paralegals are properly trained and supervised. Otherwise, the attorneys may end up spending more time on the project than they would if they were doing it themselves.

How much credence should leaders give to employees' expressions of concern over assigned tasks?

Leaders should give credence to employees' expressions of concern over assigned tasks. It is important to understand the employees' concerns and to work with them to find a solution. If the employees' concerns are valid, then the leader should be willing to adjust the work assignments or to provide additional support.

When it is inappropriate for a leader to continue to apply persuasion tactics with employees who appear resistant to performing certain tasks

It is inappropriate for a leader to continue to apply persuasion tactics