Ppg Developing a Self Directed Work Force
PPG 1
Running Head: PPG: Developing a Self-Directed Work Force
Final Paper
Raul Polo Jr.
Carlos Albizu University
Submitted To: Dr. Adkins
November 6th , 2011
GEB-314 Group & Organizational Dynamics
PPG 2
Introduction
A self-directed workforce is where the employees manage themselves and can perform multiple tasks. No need for a lot of middle management, because the employees will manage each other and themselves. A company like PPG wanted to implement a self-directed workforce because it saves them money in the long run. The workers union in a non-self-directed workforce gave them headaches. The workers were only allowed to perform one job task. It prevented them from working efficiently. If a machine broke, a worker would not be allowed to fix it themselves because that was against union policy. They would have to wait for a repair person to come over and fix it. The inefficiency and over-hiring of personnel cost too much money. PPG believed they would save money and become more efficient by implementing a self-directed work force.
PPG 3
For the hiring process in Berea, the employees had to have certain characteristics. They needed to be fast learners. They had to know how to do everyone’s job. If they didn’t know, they had to be trained on the spot and learn how to do it immediately. They needed to be self-motivated. If someone was doing bad work, they would need to know how to fix it or immediately train the person doing the job wrong. That goes along with good communication skills and good teaching abilities. They needed team players since people working would be working together all the time. If a problem came up, they would need to have good problem solving skills. Since there would be no middle management, organization skills and perfectionism were going to be important too.
The assessment center definitely found employees that were faster learners, had good communication skills, and good teaching abilities.
Running Head: PPG: Developing a Self-Directed Work Force
Final Paper
Raul Polo Jr.
Carlos Albizu University
Submitted To: Dr. Adkins
November 6th , 2011
GEB-314 Group & Organizational Dynamics
PPG 2
Introduction
A self-directed workforce is where the employees manage themselves and can perform multiple tasks. No need for a lot of middle management, because the employees will manage each other and themselves. A company like PPG wanted to implement a self-directed workforce because it saves them money in the long run. The workers union in a non-self-directed workforce gave them headaches. The workers were only allowed to perform one job task. It prevented them from working efficiently. If a machine broke, a worker would not be allowed to fix it themselves because that was against union policy. They would have to wait for a repair person to come over and fix it. The inefficiency and over-hiring of personnel cost too much money. PPG believed they would save money and become more efficient by implementing a self-directed work force.
PPG 3
For the hiring process in Berea, the employees had to have certain characteristics. They needed to be fast learners. They had to know how to do everyone’s job. If they didn’t know, they had to be trained on the spot and learn how to do it immediately. They needed to be self-motivated. If someone was doing bad work, they would need to know how to fix it or immediately train the person doing the job wrong. That goes along with good communication skills and good teaching abilities. They needed team players since people working would be working together all the time. If a problem came up, they would need to have good problem solving skills. Since there would be no middle management, organization skills and perfectionism were going to be important too.
The assessment center definitely found employees that were faster learners, had good communication skills, and good teaching abilities.
References: * http://linux01.crystalgraphics.com/view/1a0990-M2FmN/PPG_Developing_a_SelfDirected_Work_Force_flash_ppt_presentat ion * Robbins, S. and Judge, T. (2008). Organizational Behavior (14th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. * Klein, N. and Garvin, D. (1992). PPG- Developing a Self-Directed Work Force (A). Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. HBS Case # 693-020