Case
Teaching Notes
Supplementary Resources
Abstract
The purpose of this case is to facilitate the learning, reflection, and discussion of the attributes of an apology from a leader and its effect. More specifically, this case describes the actions taken by a university president that were videotaped and made public, thereby prompting an apology from the leader. Commentary not only from the university president, but from those to whom the leader was responsible, is included in the case. The case also describes statements made by the CEO of one of the nation’s largest banks following account fraud impacting millions of customers. By providing a framework of the commonly held attributes of an apology and a discussion of the effect that an apology can have on followers and the leader themselves, the reader is not only able to understand the nature and consequences of an apology from an organizational leader, but consider those ideas in the context of a specific scenario.
This case was prepared for inclusion in SAGE Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.
2023 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Resources
Appendix A: Dr. Vargas’ Apology
One week following the incident, Dr. Vargas made a public apology stating, “During my attendance at a tailgate party prior to the Southeast football game on Sept. 15, I was observed being offered and accepting to drink beer from a beer bong, a device normally associated with excessive binge drinking, which is conduct I do not condone” (Gutierrez 2018, para. 4). Dr. Vargas also said that his actions projected an image that, “I am not proud of, is not flattering, and certainly not expected of the president of Southeast Missouri State University” (Gutierrez 2018, para. 5). He continued by saying, “I made a poor decision, and for my action, I apologize to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Southeast Missouri State University, an institution of which I am tremendously proud” (Hinton 2018). Dr. Vargas concluded his statement by saying that he would, “show with words and deeds that I live by and uphold the values and principles that we work very hard to instill and strengthen in our university community, in particular, our students” (Whitford 2018, para. 6).
Along with the apology issued by Dr. Vargas, Southeast’s Board of Regents President Donald LaFerla released a statement saying, “While this certainly represents a lapse in judgment on his part, this one incident does not define who he is… I spoke with University President Vargas who immediately accepted responsibility for his actions, and he assured me that this one incident is not reflective of a broader pattern of behavior” (Whitford 2018, para. 7 & 8). Mr. LaFerla continued his statement assuring that Dr. Vargas has his and the boards’, “full support”, and that Dr. Vargas has, “demonstrated great leadership” since joining Southeast, and that he is respected by faculty, staff, students and alumni (Whitford 2018, para. 9).
This case was prepared for inclusion in SAGE Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.
2023 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
