Management: Organizational Behavior American Workers Have Been Term Paper

Management: Organizational Behavior

American workers have been brought up in a society that emphasizes individuality, thus it will be difficult for them to readily accept the notion that group-based rewards are as beneficial as individual ones. Though Americans are used to the 'team' work concept, many still prefer receiving individual recognition for their achievements. This is due in part to the emphasis on individual achievement and competition evidenced in many organizations.

Job rotation is an effective tool for allowing employees to sample other jobs and cross train. It not only provides variety but enables an employee to gain new skills and learn about the functioning of an organization as a whole. Job enrichment is equally important, allowing employees to add more interesting and challenging roles and skills to their present job. This may entail increasing job functions or responsibilities. Job rotation is more likely to result in a cross trained employee, whereas enrichment a more skilled employee.

3.

QWL suggests that employees are interested in finding jobs that are meaningful and jobs that recognize their contributions and importance as employees. During times of declining economic activity and unemployment, individuals are less likely to seek out jobs that have a high QWL, and instead are looking for any job that will provide an income.

4.

Some industries are moving away from job emphasis so employees are more likely to take on diverse functions and not focus on what is considered 'their job' versus 'someone else's job'. In order for organization to remain productive, a shift in organizational thinking must occur that allows employees to accept the notion that their job may entail functions not outlined in a specific description.

5.

Certain aspects of a job such as repetitive tasks can't necessarily be enriched. If a job for example requires that an employee stand on an assembly line and insert a peg into a hole over and over again, this 'task' can't necessarily be changed. HOWEVER, management can enrich the job by providing the employee with incentives, a positive work environment and other non-tangibles or training opportunities.

6.

Personal goal setting is possible without feedback, but less…