Billings 911 Center Case Study

The culture at the Billings 911 Center exhibits a low masculine-feminine dimension. In this organization, values displayed can be pulled from both a masculine and feminine continuums. What keeps the MAS low is the fact that is no difference between the genders. This profession requires both genders to be equally caring and assertive. Everyone has to find that balance between work and family. The job can demand that work prevails over family when staffing issues arise. Strong people are admired and sympathy is shown for the weak. Both genders are required to deal with facts and feelings. Lastly, everyone may cry and/or everyone may fight depending on the situation, regardless of gender. 911 Dispatchers have to walk a thin line between
Even though supervisors state they respect that people have outside obligation, an employee’s personal lives are only considered when it does not interfere with the operations of the Billings 911 Center. Staffing levels have to be maintained even if employees are sick or have other events that require time away from work. Several times a week employees are forced to take overtime to cover for absences. It is a standing rule for both male and female dispatchers that if coverage is needed for an absence, the vacated shift will be split between someone from the previous shift and someone from the subsequent shift. Usually junior employees find it difficult to make family plans for fear of getting forced overtime that will interfere with their personal lives. If someone from the subsequent shift does not show up four hours early then the employee covering the other half of the vacated shift will get stuck on a 16-hour shift. Pressure from other employees to show up for your forced overtime is high. Employees quickly learn that work comes first when it comes to covering absences or else face the wrath management or other staff