OB in Action Case Study: Companies Are Trying to Improve Employee Attitudes during the Recession

Introduction
“Creating an effective and productive workplace takes a firm commitment from management even in the best of times” (Ballard, 2012). When the recession hit full force, many companies had to make some difficult decisions. “In a 2009 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 68 percent of employed Americans reported that their employers had taken steps such as putting a freeze on hiring or wages, laying off staff, reducing work hours, benefits or pay, requiring unpaid days off or increasing work hours because of the weak economy” (Ballard, 2012).
During a period of recession, managers need to understand the relationship between employee well-being and the performance of the company. There are several means managers can use to improve employee performance. Some of these methods include: the utilization of Schwartz’s 10 Values, adapting attitudes and behaviors, increasing employee involvement through incentives, and the utilization of Azjen’s theory of planned behavior to shape the intentions and behaviors of employees.
In order to form
During a period of recession, managers need to understand the relationship between employee well-being and the performance of the company. There are several means managers can use to improve employee performance. Some of these methods include: the utilization of Schwartz’s 10 Values, adapting attitudes and behaviors, increasing employee involvement through incentives, and the utilization of Azjen’s theory of planned behavior to shape the intentions and behaviors of employees.

The Impact of Schwartz’s 10 Values on the Management of Home Depot, Best Buy, and Bain & Company Personal values represent “things that have meaning to us in our lives” (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2013, p. 152). Values are