Exam 9: In Search of New Managerial Paradigms

Your university's vice-president (human resources) has asked for your advice on creating a "high-performance workplace" (HPW). She is recommending a series of organizational changes, including: increased training for employees; additional layers of middle management to make sure everyone knows what they are supposed to do; more workplace wellness programs: and financial incentives for improved performance. Which of these proposed changes would concern you the most, given the vice-president's goal of creating an HPW?

Proponents of "high-performance workplaces" advocate, among other things, involving employees in decision making, training them to do a variety of tasks, providing incentives for improved performance, and encouraging teamwork. If Frederick W. Taylor were asked to evaluate this management approach, with which of these approaches would he likely agree?

Japanese management approaches, quality of working life programs, and Swedish work reforms have many things in common. Swedish work reforms, however, went considerably further in which of the following ways?

Which of the new managerial paradigms discussed in Chapter 9 is likely to be the most influential in Canada 20 years from now, given current labour force and labour market trends? Explain your prediction.

Ajit, a machine operator in a factory, was recently trained to perform basic maintenance on his machine, and how to do related paper work (e.g., order replacement parts). Which of the following terms best describes the changes in Ajit's job description?

Hiroto, your neighbour who came to Canada from Japan 15 years ago, is telling you about the job he used to hold in a large Japanese manufacturing company. He describes frequent after-work social activities he enjoyed with his workmates, how he and his workmates worked as a team, the many women who worked in the company, and the opportunities for younger workers to get promoted. Which of these things experienced by Hiroto are basic elements of Japanese management approaches?

The registrar of your university has been telling the vice-president (human resources) that whatever changes she introduces, she must remember to consider everything from a student's perspective. Which new managerial paradigm does the registrar appear to be following?