1. Chapter 2 Challenges for Managers
Describe the factors that affect organizations competing in the global economy.
Explain how cultural differences form the basis of work-related attitudes.
Describe the challenges and positive influences diversity bring to today’s business environment.
Discuss the role of ethics, character, and personal integrity in the organization.
Explain five issues that pose ethical dilemmas for managers.
Describe the effects of technological advances on today’s workforce.
Learning Outcomes
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2. © 2011 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Four Challenges
LO1
Globalization
Diversity
Ethics
Technology
Managerial Implications: Beating the Challenges
Organizational success depends on managers’ ability to address the challenges of globalization, workforce diversity, ethics, and technological innovation. Successful organizations and managers view these four challenges as opportunities rather than as threats. Failure to address these challenges can mean costly losses, damage to reputations, and ultimately an organization’s demise.
These four challenges are important because the way managers handle them shapes employee behavior. Developing global mindsets among employees expands their worldview and puts competition on a larger scale. Knowing that diversity is valued causes employees to think twice about engaging in discriminatory behaviors. Valuing technological change encourages employees to experiment with new technologies and develop innovative ways to perform their jobs. Sending a message that unethical behavior is not tolerated lets employees know that doing the right thing pays off.
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3. Changing Business Perspectives
LO1
From To
International
Organization
Transnational Organizations
Multinational
Organizations
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4. Understanding Cultural Differences
LO1
HOFSTEDE’S DIMENSIONS
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5. Developing Cross-Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity training
Cross-cultural task forces/teams
Global view of human resource functions
Planning
Recruitment and Selection
Compensation
Training and Development
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6. Diversity Statistics for the Workplace
LO3
Ethnic
2020 Workforce: 68% white non-Hispanic
14% Hispanic
11% African-American
5% Asian
Gender
2020 Workforce: 50% male
50% female
Age
By 2030, people over 65 will comprise 20% of the population.
Ability
An estimated 50 million disabled live in the U.S.; their unemployment rate exceeds 50%.
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7. Diversity’s Benefits & Problems
LO3
BENEFITS
PROBLEMS
Attracts and retains the best talent
Improves marketing efforts
Promotes creativity and innovation
Results in better problem solving
Enhances organizational flexibility
Resistance to change
Lack of cohesiveness
Communication problems
Interpersonal conflicts
Slower decision making
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8. © 2011 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
LO4
Ethical Theories
[Rule-Based Theory]
an ethical theory that emphasizes the character of the act
itself rather than its effects
[Consequential Theory]
an ethical theory that emphasizes the consequences or
results of behavior
[Character Theory]
an ethical theory that emphasizes the character, personal
virtues, and integrity of the individual
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9. Employee Rights Issues
Technology and privacy
HIV/AIDS
Confidentiality
Gender Issues/
Sexual Harassment
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The Four Way Test
LO5
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and better friendships?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
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11. Technological Innovation
The intellectual and mechanical processes used by an organization. The intellectual and mechanical processes used by an organization to transform inputs into products or services that meet organizational goals.
Examples
Internet Expert System Robotics
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12. Alternative Work Arrangements
LO6
[Employees]
Gain flexibility
Save the commute to work
Enjoy the comforts of home
[But, they ]
Have distractions
Lack socialization opportunities
Lack interaction with supervisors
Identify less with the organization
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13. Technological Change Requires Managers to:
Develop technical competence to gain workers’ respect
Focus on helping workers manage the stress of their work
Take advantage of the wealth of information available to motivate, coach, and counsel—not to control
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14. Help Employees Adjust by
Involving them in decision making regarding technological change
Selecting technology that increases workers’ skill requirements
Providing effective training
Establishing support groups
Encouraging reinvention (creative application of new technology)
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