Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow.
As a consultant in organisational development, Batho Pele Dot Com has tasked you to provide advice
for changes and intervention. Batho Pele Dot Com is currently characterized by a bureaucratic
management style and rigid structures, and its managers are mostly male. Following the new labour
legislation, quite a number of employees were suddenly retrenched, the reason for the retrenchment is
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said to be finances. Following retrenchments, a number of employees from previously disadvantaged
groups have been selected and placed in the production-line vacancies. However, there are still a number
of positions vacant. Older employees have complained about discrimination and selection strategies.
According to supervisors, production deadlines and targets are not achieved, and new employees are
expected to work without having the minimum qualifications and required training. The Human Resource
manager indicates that the mood amongst employees is negative, and lateness, illness, complaints, and
personnel turnover are increasing. Some employees have already had meetings and threatened to take
further action if management does not resign or listen.
Questions:
.1. Identify five problems experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com. (5)
2.2 Describe five I-O Psychology specialist that will be applicable for any five problems as identified
in 2.1. Indicate which specialist will be responsible for specific problem. (20)
1. The five problems experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com are:
a) Bureaucratic management style and rigid structures
b) Retrenchment of employees due to financial reasons
c) Selection and placement of employees from previously disadvantaged groups
d) Complaints of discrimination and selection strategies from older employees
e) Production deadlines and targets not being achieved, and new employees lacking required qualifications and training
2. The five I-O Psychology specialists applicable for these problems are:
a) Organizational Development Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the bureaucratic management style and rigid structures. They would focus on implementing changes to create a more flexible and adaptable organizational structure.
b) Retention and Engagement Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the negative mood among employees, increasing lateness, illness, complaints, and turnover. They would focus on improving employee engagement and creating a positive work environment.
c) Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the complaints of discrimination and selection strategies from older employees. They would focus on implementing fair and inclusive hiring and promotion practices to ensure equal opportunities for employees of all ages and backgrounds.
d) Training and Development Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the issue of new employees lacking required qualifications and training. They would focus on providing necessary training programs to ensure employees have the knowledge and skills to meet production deadlines and targets.
e) Change Management Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for handling the threats made by employees to take further action if management does not listen or resign. They would focus on effectively communicating and managing the changes within the organization to minimize resistance and ensure a smooth transition.
1. Five problems experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com:
a) Bureaucratic management style and rigid structures: This indicates an obsolete management approach that may hinder innovation, flexibility, and employee empowerment.
b) Gender imbalance in management: The organization seems to have a lack of diversity in its leadership positions, which can lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and potentially contribute to gender inequality.
c) Retrenchments based on finances: The sudden retrenchments and the reason cited for them can create uncertainty, fear, and dissatisfaction among employees, affecting morale and productivity.
d) Discrimination and selection issues: Older employees have complained about discrimination and unfair selection strategies, which can result in demotivation, lower job satisfaction, and potential legal issues.
e) Lack of qualifications and training for new employees: The practice of expecting new employees to work without adequate qualifications and required training can lead to quality issues, lower productivity, and potential safety concerns.
2. Five I-O Psychology specialists applicable to the identified problems:
a) Organizational Development Specialist: This specialist can help address the issue of the bureaucratic management style and rigid structures by introducing more modern and flexible organizational structures and systems to promote agility and innovation.
b) Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: This specialist can address the gender imbalance in management by implementing strategies to promote gender diversity and inclusivity, such as training programs, mentorship initiatives, and revising recruitment and promotion practices.
c) Employee Relations Specialist: This specialist can assist in addressing the negative mood among employees, increasing lateness, illness, complaints, and personnel turnover. They can work on improving communication, resolving conflicts, addressing employee grievances, and enhancing employee engagement.
d) Selection and Assessment Specialist: This specialist can help address the issues of discrimination and unfair selection strategies by developing and implementing fair and valid selection processes. They can also ensure that the organization complies with legal requirements and best practices in employee selection.
e) Training and Development Specialist: This specialist can address the lack of qualifications and training for new employees by developing comprehensive training programs to provide the necessary skills and knowledge. They can also work on establishing performance standards and competency frameworks for employees to ensure they meet the required qualifications.