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“How Should Managers Handle Tough Management Decisions”

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Submitted By ayman1970
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Ethical Issues
“How Should Managers Handle Tough Management Decisions”

Questions for Discussion
1. Why is it important to focus on motivating employees who survive a layoff?
It is important to focus on motivating employees who survive a layoff because employees “left behind” often ask themselves the following questions: Is this really over? Is this just the first round? Why am I staying and not them? Contrary to some management expectations about employees working harder after a reduction in force, employees may cut back on their work production and efficiency. They may withdraw from company social activities and regress to a point where they are in danger of being discharged from employment. (Beier, 2014)
"It's natural for people to have mixed feelings about keeping their jobs when co-workers have been let go," says Robert Hosking, executive director. "Layoff survivors often experience guilt about being the ones who stay while also working in an environment marked by uncertainty."(Winter, 2009)
This is where managers perform a critical function. Managers can help layoff survivors to rediscover and reconnect with their own motivation, direction, and goals to become more fully engaged employees.

2. To what extent is Conaty's advice consistent with equity and expectancy theory?
Equity theory emphasizes the need for managers to pay attention to employees' perception of what is fair and equitable. No matter how fair management thinks the organization's policies, procedures, and reward system are, each employee's perception of the equity of those factors is what count. (Kreitner, 2013)
I think Conaty is going along with equity theory, Conaty Points out that what employees' don't have right now are a whole lot of career options. And they will judge their employer by how equitably they feel they were treated during the down market. Conaty and the equity theory state that motivation should be based on a ratio where employee inputs are gauged against the outcomes.
Conaty’s advice shares some similarities with the expectancy theory. According to Conaty, employees behave in a certain way because of the expected reward on the result. He states that the management in an organization should come up with incentives like monetary rewards to motivate employees. The remuneration that employees receive at the end of the month acts as the main motivation (Podmoroff, 2005).

3. Do you believe that recognition will motivate layoff survivors? Explain.
Employees who survive layoffs usually experience discouragement and stress because they will have to handle bigger workloads that before. Moreover, the survivors also struggle to maintain a positive attitude in the workplace, as they are worried that they will also be laid off in the next round of downsizing. It is normal for people to experience mixed feelings about their job security after witnessing their former colleagues being dismissed. (Spector, 2008)
I think that recognition can be effective in motivating layoff survivors Firstly, because the cost of a recognition system is quite small and the benefits are large when implemented effectively.
Secondly, because employee recognition has a huge communication component! Recognizing people for their good work sends an extremely powerful message to the recipient, their work team and other employees through the grapevine and formal communication channels. Employee recognition is therefore a potent communication technique.

4. Do you agree that managers should find ways to have fun in the work environment after a layoff? Why or why not?
I believe that managers should find ways to have fun in the work environment after a layoff because employees' are thirsty for good news; Employees want to know that even during difficult times, their organization views them as important assets.
The behavior and reactions of managers after a layoff are hugely crucial elements in helping employees go through the transition successfully.

5. What is the biggest takeaway you get from trying to link content in this chapter to this case?
Since ancient times, Business leaders have sought ways to motivate their workers. While fear of physical punishment may have worked to build the pyramids, a more humane and scientific approach is needed for modern times. Well-motivated employees are widely thought to be more productive and creative, while poorly motivated employees can hamper growth and business success.
There are many theories of organizational motivation, and no one theory has been shown to be a panacea. It's important for managers to use a broader or more integrated approach when trying to motivate employees. This approach should consider the various theories and models discussed in chapter 8.

References
Beier, S., Gordon, P., & Sienrukos, J. (2014, May 1).Helping employees after layoffs: Methods to motivate employees to overcome survivor’s guilt -. Retrieved from http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/88749/_PARENT/layout_details_cc/false

Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2013). Organizational behavior. (Tenth Ed.), New York, NY:McGraw-HIll Irwin.

Winter , A. (2009). Layoff survivors need to remain motivated. Bulletin Board by Amy Winter, Retrieved from http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/business-and-finance/bulletin-board/layoff-survivors-need-to-remain-motivated.html

Podmoroff, D. (2005). 365 Ways to Motivate and Reward Your Employees Every Day—with Little Or No Money. New York: Atlantic Publishing Company

Spector, P. E. (2008). Industrial and Organizational Behavior, 5th Ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

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