Are men taking advantage of woman vs. woman rivalries?

Question

I overheard a couple of managers talking late after work the other day when they thought no one was in the office. I found what the one said was quite dispicable. He was giving management tips to a younger upstart manager. He admitted that the way he kept up efficiency in his division was to foster jealousy and envy among his employees (which happen to be exclusively female). He said that he would purposely target various ones at different times for extra attention, affection, and praise (usually unwarranted). He said that this had the effect of keeping the women at each other's throat and not unified as a single group (which would limit his power). I've always suspected "dirty tricks" like this by managers in general -but I can't help wonder if his tactics were actually representative of society on whole. What do you think?

Answer 1

I fail to see how this is "dirty tricks" or somehow taking advantage of some female weakness.

Praise given to an employee always pushes the other workers to do better, for all sorts of reasons. This isn't a gender thing, not some sort of sick play on the "Queen Bee" story.

Part of me also wonders at the old "does 'equal' mean 'same'" argument. In other words, does using a "trick" that has worked in all-male and co-ed offices for centuries somehow mean something different when used in an all-female office?

Answer 2

Wow that sounds pretty scummy to think a guy would act like that. I am glad I never ever had a male boss like that. He likes to mess with people's heads and play games.

To me it doesn't matter whether it's a male or female. If either one were to do that I would lose all respect for them and consider working some where else.

Causing any kind of division in the work place or what ever is wrong. It's also biblical.

Romans 16:17
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

(Not to be confused with what Jesus spoke about division in another sense of how it can be defined.)

I agree with callum828 and he should get sacked (fired) for it but people do get away with things like that. Yes I know what the word means and by all means use it because it's your cultural language. I am not offended by that word either.

I also agree with how p_i_n_k_2...has worded it. She pretty much sums that up.

I would disagree with Bonzai Betty because I think that it's possible that these women aren't aware of what's going on. Maybe they don't even suspect that their boss is capable of behaving like this? They cannot read his mind or see what's going on inside of his head behind the scenes. I think that sooner or later they may catch on if they come to realize that is what is really happening.

Some times we don't always see what's a ahead or going on while we are involved in a situation. Usually when we step out of a situation that is bad then we can often piece things together and maybe realize what's happening if we are open to the truth and not by walking in denial of it.

Answer 3

i agree that sounds dispicable but unfortunately, i dont doubt it. Action should be taken. It is unfair or any boss to purposely try to make their employees dislike eachother as this creates a hostile and unhealthy work environment. Do you have a human resources department? they should be keeping an eye on this guy. If I were you i would be talking to the women who are the subject of the "dirty tricks" and telling them what I heard to they can be aware. but that is just me.

Answer 4

This game gets played a lot at all levels especialy politics. Its called divide and conquer. Women do it to men, to each other, politicians pit intrest vs intrest. animal trainers use it, eg training horses to pull, haul back on one set of reins so one horse gets ahead a little, then the other, pretty soon both are pulling better then ever, not fighting teamster. For coping strategies, read How to Hug a Porcupine by Dr. John Lund

Answer 5

I would love too see an Armageddon Hell In A Cell Match With the following Undertaker Edge Chris Jericho HHH Orton And John Morrison Also you are right PsychoDude! YWWA is a good E Fed especially the results. 9.5/10

Answer 6

Sounds like he's been reading machiavelli!

I think you are misreading this as a feminist thing. This guy is manipulating people, he should be sacked for it.

If all his staff are female, then of course when he manipulates his staff it will be women he is manipulating.

Sounds like you should report this guy, good luck in getting his sorry *** fired.

Answer 7

These women would have to be pretty stupid. If they continue to play these lame games to "get ahead", then they deserve what they are getting.

Answer 8

I've seen it in this scenario: Man and woman get engaged, he dates other women - she beats them up and or they beat her up and when they do he laughs his head off. Man goes off and beds more women each and everyone she finds and she either beats them up or they beat her up and of course when she gets beat up he laughs his butt off.
Another scenario: Man dates girl - beds another girl - the girl finds out and beats the crap out of her. Man beds another girl - the girl finds out and beats the crap out of that girl.
Soon both men are bedding more girls just for the sheer pleasure of a cat fight.
Then there's the mud fights.