In the case “A Problem at the Housing Authority,” the author is introduced to several t-junctions in his new position as Executive Director of a County Housing Authority. The critical t-junctions involve a ring of corruption taking place amongst appointed government officials, and negligence and the misappropriation of state and federal dollars. Because the circumstances do not easily outweigh the individual’s response, the appointee is not sure how to respond. I believe that leaking is possibly is the best response to corruption encountered by the appointee. I would likely move out of the city, whistle blow, and then submit a resignation letter. This case study attempts to highlight the critical t-junctions while explaining why leaking would be the best solution to the aforementioned dilemma. Comparisons are created using “George Shultz and the Iran-Contra Affair” and “Agent Rowley Blows the Whistle” to illuminate each concept.
The prospects of power are charming and seductive while its realities are often hidden by those who wish to maintain it. The first t-junction provides a clear example: here the author is appointed by a board of directors who are made up of financial contributors to the state governor’s election campaign. This obviously represents a serious conflict in interest on the part of the governor and the appointed board members. The second t-junction makes clear that the board members, particularly the chairman of the board knowingly engaged in corrupt behavior. The third t-junction occurs when the author discovers that the board secures negotiations with a realty company owned by the chairmans cousins, and the fourth t-junction occurs when the appointee discovers his predecessor was the former campaign manager for the sitting governor. By this t-junction the appointee had an opportunity to distance himself from the corruption by explicitly rejecting such behavior but did not do so out of fear of his own safety.
Each t-junction helped to explain a host of additional corruptions (t-junctions) taking place including: the hiring of a resident to monitor the appointee’s home; the chairman of the board unsuccessful attempt to sale the appointee a house at an obscenely low price, and the overall negligence taking place within the organization (the organization was on the verge of bankruptcy when the author was originally appointed).
The seductive and charming aspects of power led the author to accept a position before doing his homework. This led him to a world of politics characterized by corruption, negligence and nepotism. My opinion is that that the appointee made a wise decision by consulting with a lawyer and considering all of his options, including the risk of personal social, and professional endangerment. Based on the options discussed with the attorney, Leaking appears to be the appointee’s best option. Walking away would have forced the appointee to compromise his moral values and whist blowing could compromise his safety and future career in politics. In the beginning of the text the appointee makes clear that confrontation is not his style, and discussion may not have been a considerable option since he did not know which board members were involved. Leaking is clearly the best option here. The chairman already knew that the appointee was aware of the various scandals taking place. The appointee had the option of sending anonymous letters to local and state representatives revealing his findings. The appointee also had the option to meet personally with an elected official who could champion the matter which may have led him into the clear. His safest option would be to find a different place to work in order to safe guard his personal safety.
It is important that the appointee stay true to himself by maintaining his prior level of integrity. The author must be careful to not allow his circumstances to champion his personal credibility. Agent Rowly and George Slutz blew the whistle for different reason. Rowley blew the whistle to bring attention to deficiencies with the FBI while Slutz made public statements in order to disassociate himself from the Iran-Contra affair. While it is true that Rowley and Slutz each had over 15 years of experience in their perspective fields, each found a way to maintain their level of individual responsibility. The appointee must find a creative solution for maintaining his individual level of responsibility. He must understand, most importantly, that there are no definitive solutions. He must be prepared to win and lose no matter what the results may be.
I have a series of essay questions so i need all the help i can get. If there is a website where i can have my papers proofread, please let me know!
Leaking is anonoumosly reporting info. to the media.
whistle blowing is reporting to a higher official/ may also be seen as tattle telling.
Hi, Jatice ~
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Thanks for the definitions of "leaking" and "whistle-blowing."
Can you also find a way to elaborate on what is meant by a "t-junction?"
I noticed that you say in one place that you think LEAKING is his best option, but later you say that you would likely move out of the city, WHISTLE BLOW, and submit a letter of resignation. I presume this is a kind of typo.
Listen to Rich Rudnick, CEO of Smart Sales Solutions, talk about advancing your business in this troubling economic time
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I have been doing some research on the various residential real estate firms out there pertaining to starting my career as a real estate agent. I’m looking at the Chandler, AZ area; near Phoenix and some of the firms i’ve noticed there are Keller Williams, Remax, Coldwell Banker, and Realty Executives. I really know that area well and enjoy it there. KW seems to have a solid program for new agents but what about the others, does one have a better repuatation than another in terms of helping new agents getting started? How about the pay structure? Do any firms offer group benefit plans? Which is best/worst for "office" fees? As a new agent, given the current state of the economy, what number of sales can a new realtor expect in their first year or what can they expect to "take-home" in their first year on average?
Also, I’m thinking of eventually getting my broker’s license after 2-3 years and say for example I start out with Coldwell Banker but end up franchising as a part of Remax, is this normal? Once I would start my own franchise, I assume i’m the only realtor there until I hire others and build it up? Do the franchiser’s assist in building the new franchise with staff support/agents? On average, how much capital does it take to start your own franchise?
I’ve got plenty of questions and any and ALL of your input is greatly appreciated!!
Its a VERY tough business and don’t expect other agents even in your own office to be much help. Interview several managers in the different firms in your locale and see how much "hand-holding" and education they provide. Bigger firms put out the large advertisements and you don’t have to pay for it if you get a listing. Advertising can take a big chunk out of your gross pay. There are lots of other costs associated with being a realtor…ask your manager for the details. Don’t expect to make big money for awhile. I know many agents who barely make one or two sales a year the first year or two. Depends on your area and how many other agents there are. The ones who have stuck it out throughout the various real estate markets are usually the ones who get the real $$$. You may consider getting on a team with a seasoned agent and do the "schlep" work and get some experience that way. You shadow them and see how they get the listings and buyers. Good Luck!
A brief look at the owners of the new franchise in Bryson City, NC
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I understand how to get the lic, I have completed the neccessary education requirements and am testsing today.
I live in a rural area and the offices here are C21, Remax, V.I.P. and Realty Executive. I am Military and will be ending that career in about a year and a half.
I have talked with C21 and Realty Executives, they said they will hire me part time, I have been a Recruiter and held other sales postions. I am leaning to C21 becasue its closer to my home and the area in whcih I want to market.
I have read quite a few comments telling people to stay away fom part timers but I cannot quite my job and I have to feed my family so I thought I would get a jump start on a new career.
When deciding on who to work for what should I look for. Any advice would be appriciated.
First of all, good luck on your test.
Now, you’re about to go into business for yourself, no matter where you decide to hang your license remember that they are not "hiring" you. It sounds like you are in an excellent position to transition from the military to your own business. When decided on a company to hang your license with I always suggest to new agents to go with a company that has a good support structure and training. This type of company generally offers a less than generous commission split but that’s the price you have to pay for training and education. I believe in Missouri you have to be an active agent for 1 year ( i could be completely off here so check you local regulations) before getting your brokers license. That’s certainly something to think about giving your time frame to retirement from the military. Spend the next year or so learning the business and marketing yourself and then consider getting your brokers license.
Good luck in your new career and thank you for serving our country in your current career!
I understand how to get the lic, I have completed the neccessary education and testing.
I live in a rural area and the offices here are C21, Remax, V.I.P. and Realty Executive. I am Military and will be ending that career in about a year and a half.
I have talked with C21 and Realty Executives, they said they will hire me part time, I have been a Recruiter and held other sales postions. I am leaning to C21 becasue its closer to my home and the area in whcih I want to market.
I have read quite a few comments telling people to stay away fom part timers but I cannot quite my job and I have to feed my family so I thought I would get a jump start on a new career.
When deciding on who to work for what should I look for. Any advice would be appriciated.
What’s important? The office’s training and support and the availability of your broker. In my experience, it’s the norm that brokers sell too. A great broker should just manage their office and help agents as needed. After all, if the broker is absorbed in their own deals, how can they find time to coach the agents they should be managing? Also pay attention to what marketing your company includes. Are you paying for all of your supplies & marketing costs or does your brokerage cover some of that?
The aversion to part time agents is that they don’t have the time for their clients or for prospecting that full timers do. Full timers can be available to their clients when their clients need them; part timers force their clients to wait until they’re available. Part timers don’t come across as professional because they can’t fully dedicate themselves to this career.
My husband is a realtor in Missouri. If you want additional info, feel free to click on my name and send me an e-mail if you want to reach him.
Listen to Rich Rudnick, CEO of Smart Sales Solutions, talk about advancing your business in this troubling economic time
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I understand how to get the lic, I have completed the neccessary education and testing.
I live in a rural area and the offices here are C21, Remax, V.I.P. and Realty Executive. I am Military and will be ending that career in about a year and a half.
I have talked with C21 and Realty Executives, they said they will hire me part time, I have been a Recruiter and held other sales postions. I am leaning to C21 becasue its closer to my home and the area in whcih I want to market.
I have read quite a few comments telling people to stay away fom part timers but I cannot quite my job and I have to feed my family so I thought I would get a jump start on a new career.
When deciding on who to work for what should I look for. Any advice would be appriciated.
What’s important? The office’s training and support and the availability of your broker. In my experience, it’s the norm that brokers sell too. A great broker should just manage their office and help agents as needed. After all, if the broker is absorbed in their own deals, how can they find time to coach the agents they should be managing? Also pay attention to what marketing your company includes. Are you paying for all of your supplies & marketing costs or does your brokerage cover some of that?
The aversion to part time agents is that they don’t have the time for their clients or for prospecting that full timers do. Full timers can be available to their clients when their clients need them; part timers force their clients to wait until they’re available. Part timers don’t come across as professional because they can’t fully dedicate themselves to this career.
My husband is a realtor in Missouri. If you want additional info, feel free to click on my name and send me an e-mail if you want to reach him.
Teresa Hensley; Realty Executives Hickory
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What is the best realestate company to work for in Kansas city/Overland Park,Kansas???
Realty Executives.
Reece Nichols
Remax
As far as commission splits.
any information will help !!
Thanks
You need to go to those offices and interview them! Only the brokers/managers can tell you what the splits are and what they can offer you, which is always negotiable. Yahoo can’t make such an important decision for you. If you are serious about selling real estate, you’ll get yourself out there and see which companies policies are the best for you.