MGMT 1001 Tutorial Preparation (for Week 3)

Chapter 8 pg. 275 Managing Organisational Change Thinking critically about management issues (Q1)
1) Can a low-level employee be a change agent? Assuming that this employee knows the organisation well and the processes that occur within it, a low-level employee can be a change agent as he/she is familiar with how the organisation operates and will have ideas on how to manage the change process. He/she will only become an effective change agent if he/she is innovative, accepting of change, and a great communicator when convincing those of whom resist change.

Task Visibiliy, Free Riding - Jones, G.R.,,1984

2) Jones talks about the effect of organisation structure and technology on employee behaviour. Explain why he uses the transaction cost approach to explain the structure behaviour relationship The transaction cost approach revolves around the central idea that employees will have strong incentives to shirk and free ride when performing tasks, which will reduce productivity and will become costly to the organisation. He uses the transaction cost approach to explain the structure behaviour relationship because he clearly states that there is a strong link between monitoring performance and employee behaviour within the structure of the organisation. He states that monitoring of task activity and an increase of task transparency as a structure will improve the reaction and behaviour of employees; resulting in better performance and satisfaction

Article Reading SMH- Shakeup at Telstra as digital media boss exits March 13 2014
3) Summarise one recent piece of news that relates to how employee attitudes adversely impact the organisation. If you are the manager of this organisation, what would you do to improve the situation? Telstras digital media boss Rick Ellis has left the organisation due to having his portfolio significantly reduced. The impact that this has had on the organisation as a whole has been great. Rick Ellis has changed some of Telstras major services within a matter of only 2 years. Under his management he has introduced the implementation of online catch-up digital channels, obtained big drawcard digital rights (including NRL), carried the growth of the Telstra T-Box and improved Telstras partnership and relationship with Foxtel and Sensis. From his leave, the direction of the company will be significantly pressured on two new members of staff. His ambitions and hard-work attitude have inspired employees in the digital sector. To improve this situation, I would promote people with long standing service and knowledge within the organisation to replace Rick Ellis and look into ways that improve employee morale, direction and re-develop the companys objectives for the year. Perhaps before Rick Ellis leave, consider the possibility of re-negotiating terms (if that has not already been done)