Page 378 - Business Principles and Management

Chapter 14 • Implementing and Controlling

Managers need to respect and seek the input of employees. Sometimes man-
agers say they want employees’ ideas but then ignore their input. That will frus-
trate employees and make them reluctant to participate in the future. Managers
must make it clear that not every idea contributed by an employee can be imple-
mented but will be carefully considered in the planning process.

EDUCATING
Change in business does not just happen. New products, new technology, or
redesigned jobs require people to prepare. Usually, that means information and
training. As plans for change develop, managers must determine who will be
affected and what new knowledge and skills those employees will need. Then
managers should implement information meetings and training programs to
prepare employees for the required changes.
Many companies have had to reduce the number of employees through down-
sizing. That type of change is very difficult for managers to implement and employ-
ees to accept. Some companies try to help the people who will no longer have jobs
by offering training for other positions available in the company or to develop
skills that will help them get jobs with another company.

SUPPORTING

How willing are you to make a change if you are uncertain of the result? When
people believe they will receive support from their organization, they are more
willing to accept changes. All changes involve some amount of risk, and organi-
zations cannot guarantee success. However, managers need to assure employees
that there is support available to help them adjust to the change.
The support can take many forms, such as allowing employees time to adjust
to change. Managers may provide more feedback on employee performance and
be less critical of mistakes early in the process. Counseling, training, and additional
information are other methods of support.
Sometimes changes have negative effects on employees that cannot be avoided.
Employees may have to be terminated or undergo major job changes that can
require reductions in pay, different working conditions, and so forth. Support is
especially needed under those circumstances. Employees who lose their jobs need
time to adjust. Companies may provide full or partial salary for several weeks or
months while the people affected try to find new jobs. The companies may look
for other positions in the organization and help employees retrain or relocate.
They can also give preference to those employees when new positions open. Many
companies now provide personal and career counseling, help with job-seeking
skills, and even pay for employment services for employees who are terminated
due to change.

CHECKPOINT

What steps should managers follow to help employees
understand and adjust to a major change?

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