Under Cover Boss - Essay Example

?Under Cover Boss What are the specific things the employees are unhappy about? If you were to group their specific complaints together, how mightyou summarize the kinds of complaints the employees have? You are welcome to create the categories, describe the categories, and then list the examples from the video. (15 points)  Employees of the company were unhappy about several things that were happening in the company or that resulted from the failure of the company to meet its expectations. The employees were unhappy with their pay packages, work environment, and time schedule. These complaints can be categorized into poor work relations and the failure of the company to implement effective work place culture. The video illustrates a high degree power of distance between the company employees and its management. Problems affecting the employees could only be discovered if the management assumed the position of its employees. O’Donnell had a firsthand experience through his undercover boss mission. He discovered that the employees lacked basic supportive facilities. For instance, he was shocked to note that a woman working in one of the WM’s pick-up truck had to use a can as her toilet in order to meet her target of 300 homes. The video illustrates that the company’s management had exceeding expectations on its employees. 2) What kind of pay system do they use? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this system based on what you saw in the video? (10 points)  A pay system is a significant factor that affects the performance of employees in any organization. The scale and distribution of pay and benefits is a significant determinant of employees’ motivation and morale. The company depicted in the video has a basic rate system. Basic pay system does not reward employees according to their performance and achievements and thus the system does not promote employee’s motivation and performance (Hirschey, 2009). In addition, the pay system applied in the company does not promote recruitment and retention of high caliber employees. Although the pays system is not employee oriented, it promotes equity and positive work relationship among employees. In addition, the pay system promotes application of alternative incentives that have additional benefits to the work force. This promotes training and acquisition of skills among employees. 3) What principles are taught in this class is this company violating? Be sure to briefly describe the principle and to justify each principle choice using examples from the video. What are the consequences of this? (20 points)  According to the video, the company is violating the following basic employee's motivation principles. a. All people are motivated: it is obvious that all people respond positively to motivation. However, the company does not invest in improving their employee’s performance through supportive work environment. b. People do things according to their reasons; this principle indicates that people work according to their interest. This indicates that employee’s motivation can be achieved through creation of interest in their work. The company fails to create interest for their employees from the work that they do. However, the undercover boss is quick to notice that his company does not offer enough support to its employees. In addition, the company’s work schedule does not support other interests of its employees. c. Identification is instrumental to effective communication; change or progress in a company can only be realized if the company’s employees and customers identify themselves with the company. Poor working conditions in the company makes its employees fail to identify themselves with the company. This has significant effect on their motivation and future prospects. 4) If you were a consultant what would you suggest the company do (beyond the things the owner decided to do for the company - you can include them - and the four employees; there are many things they could have done and didn’t)? Please be sure to explain why these would be good practices by relating your answer back to principles from the book (again briefly describe the principles you are using and tie them back to your recommendations). (30 points)  As a consultant, I will base my recommendations on the goals and objectives of the company. According to the video, the company has a long-term objective that is not easily noticeable by its employees. The long-term objectives are aimed at maintaining the company’s work force. Thus, the company uses compromising work conditions and low wages as a strategy to cut its operation costs. Although the strategy has a long term benefits to the company and its employee’s it lacks a direct impact on employee’s motivation. Firstly, I would encourage the company to reduce work hours for every employee. Adopting a shift system will also contribute to employee’s motivation and performance. In addition, the company should increase their pay packages according to employee’s performance and grade. The consultation will correlate with the principles of employee’s motivation listed above. For instance, all people respond to motivation. Thus, the company’s employees are likely to have a positive response to any motivation effort made by the company (Hirschey, 2009). In addition, the company needs to create interest among its employees for the work that they do. This can only be achieved through sustainable and supportive work environment. 5) How do companies balance budget issues the owner talked about and employee needs? (10 points)  Balancing the budgetary issues of a company and employee’s needs is a significant aspect of strategic management. There are different ways that companies can balance their budgetary need with employee’s requirements. However, most of the strategies are based on cost reduction mechanisms. Thus, a balance can only be achieved through efficiency and strategic management (Hirschey, 2009). A company that has efficient operations has the ability to lower its operation costs without compromising the needs of its employees. 6) What have you learned about being a manager from this video? When you are a manager, how will you make sure you do not make the mistakes with your employees that this company is making with their employees? (15 points)  This video has challenged me on how to become an effective manager. From the video, I have learnt that effective management is based on the needs of the employees without compromising the objectives of the company. I have learnt that managers should lead through examples and not rules and principles. When I become a manager, I will ensure that I become a representative of both the employee’s and the company. This will enhance sustainable development in the company. Although I might not become an undercover boss, I will try as much as possible to understand the work environment in the company. I will also ensure that I exercise my leadership duties through a direct participation approach. Reference Hirschey, M. (2009). Fundamentals of Managerial Economics. Boulevard: Cengage Learning. Read More