Improving Teamwork, Productivity, and Labor

Improving Teamwork, Productivity, And Labor Relations

Blackmer/Dover Resources Inc. is a firm specializing in the manufacture of metal pumps. The firm recently underwent a major managerial change, when the former president implemented an engineering overhaul that failed brutally and led to a decrease in sales. The new president, Bosco, is dedicated to improving company productivity. However, to do so will require the cooperation of the factory workers with the greatest native know-how.

Current State: The current state of the company is change. With the new president in charge, a new organizational culture has the potential to be implemented. However, the current state is one of immediate need to accomplish two main goals: improved labor relations and increased productivity.

Negative Impacts on Employees, Customers, Suppliers, or Company: The employees at Blackmer/Dover Resources feel undervalued and underappreciated. They withhold information because of this, which then leads to deteriorating labor relations as well as reduced teamwork. After all, some employees remain willing to share secrets while others adamantly will not. The negative impact extends to customer relations, as an increase in supply could meet the needs of more clients. Management suffers a great blow, too, being rendered impotent and unable to reap the benefits of employee wisdom and knowledge.

Problem Statement: Management does not engender sufficient trust among employees.

5 Why's Root Cause Analysis

1. Why won't workers share their floor secrets with management?

Because management does not respect them, and holds all the power in the relationship.

2. Why does management not respect the employees?

Because management holds all the power in the relationship and does not need to respect the employees

3. Why does management hold all the power in the relationship?

Because the organization is structured hierarchically

4. Why is the organization structured hierarchically?

Because the company has been around since 1903 and change is difficult.

5. Why is change difficult?

Because it entails radical transformations in organizational culture

Root Cause: Management is afraid of making radical transformations in organizational culture that would encourage participation and collaboration.