What is HIV and AIDS?

Briefing Notes for the Managing Director
You have been working as the Managing Director of the organisation for 5
years now. You are well respected by others, used as a role model for what
organisations could achieve with good management. You know that your staff
are hard-working but sometimes they don’t see the bigger picture. You have
to answer to the board and that means making tough decisions at times. You
know that your staff don’t always agree with it. Sometimes you hear them
criticize your decisions, saying that you don’t understand how it works
because you have never been to see the communities or learn about the
projects. You feel that visiting the projects is not your ole. Your role is to
ensure that projects are funded, that deadlines are met and that objectives
are achieved.
Recently, you have been under a lot more pressure. You have lost key
member of staff and have found it hard to replace her. The organisation has
also lost a key funder, meaning that you have to cut your costs. This has
meant employing people on a short-term contract and to get rid of the job
post based in the community. You are under pressure from the board too.
They want to know why the funding was lost and you feel that they blame
you. You have recently employed Xiao Gang who shows a lot of promise. He
has a lot of experience and seems to be doing well.
Xiao Gang has requested a meeting with you to discuss the issue of HIV
and AIDS. You don’t know why he wants to discuss this as the
organisation does not work with health issues. You have tried to tell him
you are busy but he has been persistent. So you have given him 15
minutes to discuss this topic with you.
Tips :As the MD, you must be clear that you are a busy person and that you
only have a short amount of time. Initially you must express your reservations
and doubts about this but if you feel that his argument is persuasive, try to
come to some sort of compromise. Don’t make too hard or easy for Xiao
Gang. When playing the MD also think of the cultural context, what kind of
protocol would you expect from your staff. How should they address you?
What kind of respect should they show you? What happens if they don’t show
you respect etc?
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