Forgiveness is enhanced in organizations when managers (1) Acknowledge the trauma, harm, and injustice that their organization members have experienced,
but they define the occurrence of hurtful events as an opportunity to move forward toward a new goal. (2) Associate the outcomes of the organization (e.g., its products and services) with a higher purpose that provides personal meaning for organization members. (3) Maintain high standards and communicate the fact that forgiveness is synonymous with tolerance for error or lowered expectations. Which statements are correct?
A) Statements 1 and 3
B) Statements 2 and 3
C) Only statement 1
D) Statements 1 and 2
Answer: D
Explanation: A) Incorrect. Statement 1 is correct. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. It is recommended that managers use mistakes and mishaps as learning opportunities. This can only be done when past hurts are recognized. Statement 2 is correct. This higher purpose replaces a focus on self with a focus on a higher objective (organizational success). Statement 3 is incorrect. Forgiveness and high standards are not incompatible. Forgiveness in an organization involves the capacity to abandon bitterness, and blame, and adopt a forward-looking approach.
B) Incorrect. Statement 1 is correct. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. It is recommended that managers use mistakes and mishaps as learning opportunities. This can only be done when past hurts are recognized. Statement 2 is correct. This higher purpose replaces a focus on self with a focus on a higher objective (organizational success). Statement 3 is incorrect. Forgiveness and high standards are not incompatible. Forgiveness in an organization involves the capacity to abandon bitterness, and blame, and adopt a forward-looking approach.
C) Incorrect. Statement 1 is correct. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. It is recommended that managers use mistakes and mishaps as learning opportunities. This can only be done when past hurts are recognized. Statement 2 is correct. This higher purpose replaces a focus on self with a focus on a higher objective (organizational success). Statement 3 is incorrect. Forgiveness and high standards are not incompatible. Forgiveness in an organization involves the capacity to abandon bitterness, and blame, and adopt a forward-looking approach.
D) Correct. Statement 1 is correct. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. It is recommended that managers use mistakes and mishaps as learning opportunities. This can only be done when past hurts are recognized. Statement 2 is correct. This higher purpose replaces a focus on self with a focus on a higher objective (organizational success). Statement 3 is incorrect. Forgiveness and high standards are not incompatible. Forgiveness in an organization involves the capacity to abandon bitterness, and blame, and adopt a forward-looking approach.