Uber Sexual Assaults Leadership Analysis

Uber Sexual Assaults Leadership Analysis

Introduction

Uber has recently reported over the very alarming issue of sexual assaults, especially on its customers. Several cases have been reported over the assaults. They are clear that the numbers have been going up as compared to other years. Several drivers have reported the matter which is at the same rate in which the riders have been complaining on. On some extreme cases, others were killed, which its occurrence was related to the online app. It thus makes it crucial to analyze the problem summary and also research about the CEO of Uber. Similarly, it is essential to come up with an analysis of what the leadership of Uber should do in handling the issue.

 Summary

Despite Uber being one of the most used ride company, it has had cases on its first report over sexual assaults. According to Conger (2019), a total of 3,045 cases were reported over violence and the safety of riders.  In 2018 the numbers went up by 4 per cent as compared to the previous year. As the report indicated, the assaults mainly entailed kissing, nonconsensual touching and penetration, which they are currently trying to work on it. Based on the fact that it is a big ride company, it is expected to take necessary measures to help in curbing the issue. Most of these incidents had individuals that have gone through horrific trauma as a result of the assaults (Conger, 2019). Data indicates that a lot of what they have gone through cannot be put in a context which calls upon the company to do something about it.

Uber CEO Khosrowshahi has been trying to seek ways of addressing the issue. Having had quite a number of concern on the report, Khosrowshahi has been working closely to help by taking the first initiative of supporting the survivors. Usually, they do not report the case immediately to the law enforcement officers as they tend to prefer leaving the decision up to the victim.  The CEO has appeared on several interviews where he has talked of the effort of helping the survivors. It is there a way of looking unto the affairs of their customers and taking good care of them.

Response to the Situation

To be able to respond to this situation, the leadership team in Uber needs to look into ways of changing their culture and fostering moral leadership. Charan (2006) explains that by working to create culture change, it is expected that the drivers will get rid of the dysfunctional culture. They will equally work towards bringing out their best in their work. To facilitate this change, Uber will have to work on fixing its internal problems as it will serve to streamline ways of managing and curbing the situation (Kotter, 2007). Similarly, the company needs to encourage moral leadership within the organization. Through moral leadership, the organization needs to facilitate ways of challenging the staff into differentiating between right and wrong. This effort will help in handling the allegations and preventing the issue of sexual assaults from appearing in their future report.

Conclusion

Every organization requires a comprehensive approach that can work for both the business culture and its operation. Uber, in this case, is no exception as it is expected to take up a customized approach that can work in responding to the reports of sexual assault. It thus makes it crucial to look critically unto the allegations made and develop a practical approach that can be work to encourage the safety of both the drivers and the riders. By having an internal assessment and evaluation of measures, it is expected that Uber will be able to handle the situation. Change starts within the organization before it can reach out to the public.

References

Conger, K. (2019). Uber Says 3,045 Sex Assaults Were Reported in U.S. Rides Last Year. Retrieved December 10, 2019, from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/05/technology/uber-sexual-assaults-murders-deaths-safety.html.

Charan, R. (2006). Home Depot’s Blueprint for Culture Change. Harvard Business Review.

Kotter, J. (2007). Leading Change Why Transformation Efforts Fail. Harvard Business Review.