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Managers drag their heels on sharing power lose competitive advantage as result.
A study conducted by the University of Southern California revealed that many US companies are losing a major competitive advantage because of their reluctance to share power with employees. This reluctance has resulted in lower productivity and poor employee job satisfaction. In addition, it has also resulted in lower utilization of assets and investments. In light of this, companies should enhance job enrichment, team incentive and cross-training programs to foster greater productivity.
National president's message. (Canadian Institute of Management)(Transcript)
The Canadian Institute of Management (CIM) faces severe financial problems and strong competition from other associations. To ensure its survival, its members must take on additional responsibilities. They must be more active in CIM's policy planning, program implementation and assessment. In addition, they must help in improving CIM's programs and services.
Murray Axmith and Assoc. Dir. Jill Jukes stated that many employees are unable to cope with the rapid pace of change in the workplace. She added the most employees lack the ability to be resilient and adaptable to workplace changes. Jukes noted that Murray Axmith's career hardiness program teaches employees how to be adaptable and confident despite changes in the workplace.
Nix negativity now!! - What you can and must do about negativity - wherever you find it!
Negativity in the workplace can significantly hamper employee productivity. Employees create negativity within themselves and more often the work environment amplifies such negativity and transmits them to others. Employees should identify factors which generate both personal and workplace negativity. Then, they should develop techniques to prevent negativity from occurring.
Non-traditional education: an important option for changing times.
There are two common types of non-traditional education namely, experiential learning and continuous assessment. Experiential learning relies heavily on evaluating a student's performance beyond the classroom-type of teaching. Continuous assessment focuses on regularly evaluating performance throughout the teaching course. Although both types of education have their merits, one-time final examinations are still the most advantageous since they teach students to work under pressure.
Respect & trust in management a necessity.
Racism in the workplace is one of the most influential factors hampering productivity. Moreover, studies have shown that employees place greater importance on gaining respect rather than financial compensation. In light of this, managers should strive to develop a work environment which fosters respect, justice and trust. One approach to building such positive characteristics is to establish 'masthead' statement embodying the ideals of both managers and employees.
Rewarding employees: effective incentive programs more than administration.
Companies wanting to establish effective incentive programs should strive to involve their target groups into the design and implementation of such programs. Group involvement makes the administration of incentive programs easier. In addition, companies should also establish links between formal and informal rewards and strive to develop ways of continuing the progress made by existing incentive programs.
Starting a new life together: making combined organizations work.
Companies need to develop programs to assist employees adapt to major changes in the workplace. Such programs such take into consideration a company's corporate culture as well as potential problems which may affect the progress of change. Managers should ensure that effective two-communications schemes are in place to reduce employee anxiety. They should also strive to make employees involved in the process of change.
Strategic sourcing means just that - sourcing strategically.
Many companies are focusing on their purchasing departments to generate substantial cost-savings. However, some purchasing programs are incompatible with the company's overall business strategy and may result in large and unnecessary spending. Consequently, companies should strive to develop purchasing programs which complement their business strategies to ensure cost-savings.
Voice mail found guilty of customer alienation.
Voice mail systems have been touted as a major communications advancement since they ensure that all calls are received. Supports of the system argue that it generates significant cost savings and enhances customer service. However, many customers are averse to leaving messages and prefer to speak only to real business representatives. Consequently, such customers often hang-up even before hearing the recording tone of voice mail systems. This results in substantial lost business for companie...
