Interactive Simulation "Understanding Issues in Organizational Behavior"
The rise in traffic has increased the workload for the sixty-four maintenance workers assigned and as a result of the increased workload; personnel are "experiencing high levels of stress". Management is concerned with the rise in personnel stress levels and in an attempt to reduce the dysfunctional stress levels is looking into short and long term ways to keep productivity up while addressing these issues.
Management will examine: "How effective are non-monetary incentives in relieving stress"? "How does employee motivation impact organizational performance"? And, "In today's business environment, what is the importance of a culturally diverse workforce?"
How effective are non-monetary incentives in relieving stress?
For the non-monetary incentives management approached it from a short and long-term perspective. Short-term strategy was to offer cash rewards or paid vacations for best performer; introduce Break-Out Zones; and introduce an exercise regimen. Long-term strategy was to organize regular stress management workshops, offer behavioral counseling.
Of the choices offered, none came without a cost to management. Management went with cash rewards and vacations for the best performers because the effects would be instant in motivating employees and reducing stress. BreakOut zones were selected because it offered a place where employees could unwind between assignments. Finally on the short term side management went with an exercise regimen. Maintenance work is physically taxing and requires a lot of strenuous activity. Management feels it is necessary for workers to stay alert and in the best physical condition and an exercise regimen will provide this. All of the long term incentives were costly.
How does employee motivation impact organizational performance?
During the winter months employee motivation drops and has an enormous impact on organizational performance. In the simulation the employee's are faces with extremely cold weather during the winter months. Management...