Assignment 3

Many power plays lurk in society. For me, one power play that I continue to experience is the relationship between sales associate and customer. I work in jewelry, and anyone who has experienced retail before knows that working in this type of setting requires patience. Personally, I feel that working in retail forces me to exert a larger amount of effort to remain calm and patient, in comparison to other priorities/activities I have. I do believe that customers are entitled to good service, but I do not, at all, believe in the idea that customers are always right. Stores have policies that need to be followed and are written in receipts. Often times when I encounter a customer who is obstinate and disputes store policy, I try to explain and maintain the respect that both parties deserve, only to leave the situation feeling that respect is hardly ever mutual. If ever I choose to respond similarly, I could, because I have the authority and power as an individual to do so. It would mean being reprimanded or losing my job, but as an average person, I have the choice. As an associate, I always feel that my hands are tied and my mouth is glued shut.