A shrew is as a shrew does

Curtis, the reason as to why Petruchio is acting like a shrew is to try and scare Katherina to normal. Also, he is very desperate to get the money so he will do almost anything to tame her. Another reason why he is acting like this is because he ants to show Katherina that she isn't the only one that acts like a shrew. He wants to try and show her that they have something in common.

So Curtis, don't be alarmed to your boss' new behavior. It is normal to his situation, being that he has come to Padua looking for a wealthy wife. Therefore, all of this new behavior will not last long and is completely normal.