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Chapter 3 The Changing Environment of Management END OF CHAPTER FEATURES • Terms to Understand – encourage students to make use of the flashcards available on the student website. Also, suggest they visit the Manager’s Toolkit section on the website for tips and suggestions for aspiring managers. • Action Learning Exercise –Crystal Ball Gazing. Have students predict the probability of occurrence for the ten items listed using the 0 to 100 % scale. Then have students respond to the questions for consideration at the end, and discuss the results in class. Most of these are personal opinion questions. However, a guided dialogue back to chapter content can be achieved, particularly with question 2 – ask students to incorporate the three step innovation process into their response. Consider a teamgroup assignment where each group adopts a different prediction and presents a management briefing on how we (managers) should prepare for the anticipated change. • Ethics Exercise – Do The Right Thing, Should An Employer Tell a Muslim Woman Not to Wear a Head Scarf? The discussion questions and statements are quite likely to spark great debate within the class. As they consider the question, “should there be any exceptions to dress codes?” Many will argue that the employee worked in the stockroom and therefore it shouldn’t matter what she wears. Others will argue that managers must uniformly enforce the dress code or risk the perception of favoritism. Encourage them to write a dress code policy for a clothing retailer that they think is professional, enforceable, fair, and without the potential for accusations of discrimination. Another point students are likely to bring up is the fact the employee has a choice in where she works if she does not like the dress code she can find another job. Consider the uniform servers must wear at Hooters restaurant. Or the uniforms military personnel are required to wear (many women complain they are very masculine and not flattering). One key point to mention to students is that managers and employers should be sure to share the dress code during the recruitment and hiring process rather than waiting for a code violation to introduce the policy. • Managers-In-Action Video Case Study – evo – Borderless Marketplace evo - A Borderless Marketplace Length: 7 minutes and 58 seconds Topics: Global economy, political impact, trade agreements, taxes, duties, tariffs, technology, international business, partnerships, strategic planning, and resource management. Company Background From the evo website January 6, 2011 http://www.evo.com/ evo explores the collaboration between culture and sport by seamlessly joining art, music, streetwear, skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and wakeboarding. Our aim is to bring all things relevant to the urban, action sports lifestyle into one creative space. Whether it is on the website, on the phone or in our store, our aim is to make all who come into contact with evo feel welcome and excited about their experience. evo's retail space in Seattle is more than just a store, it's our headquarters and the home of 80+ dedicated team members. Since the website launched in 2001, after lots of coffee, countless late nights, 100's of powder days, and early morning sessions on the lake, we are still focused on being a great retailer and asset to the community. Passion for building community is a driving force; both on a national level and locally in Seattle. We are excited about the opportunity to become community anchors in urban settings with diverse groups of people who share common interests. Music events, movie premiers, art exhibitions, benefits to help children in need, partnerships and simply providing a great place in a central location are all ways that we work to build and strengthen community. It is no mistake that our location is a venue, art gallery, and retail space all wrapped into one. Website post on July 23, 2010 from Bryce Phillips: Time flies. We launched the site almost 10 years ago and have gone through a tremendous amount of change as a company. I often refer to the run up until 2008 as "Childhood". We ran full speed ahead, made some crazy decisions, and built a brand and a company - often with brute force. We threw parties, worked 24 hour days and while reckless at times, and somehow made it through the years of hyper growth and organizational change. Nearly two years ago today, we lost a close friend and central figure at evo and jumped overnight into "Adolescence". We never experienced the fun/awkward part of this stage as we found ourselves in the middle of a very tumultuous time. 2008-2009 happened so fast with the passing of Christine, the opening of a distribution center, and the crash of the economy that the extent of the damage left behind - more appropriately carried forward - was almost impossible to comprehend. It was all about survival as we watched many in our industry and out in the broader world, cease to exist. There's no sugar-coating the experience. We lost and laid off friends, moved backwards financially, and had to dig deep in order to dance through a time when we'd be stretched as thin as we possibly could be. This time would test us as well as the fabric that we had worked so hard to weave since growing from 2 employees to 80 over the previous 9 years. Just about a year ago, as we moved into the second half of adolescence, we cut costs, put a plan in place, and executed it with discipline day in, day out. There are endless stories that come to my mind, many of which may never be told, as we moved through the fundraising process, worked with the Board of Directors and investors and tried to juggle a hundred balls, all while growing 80% over the two year period. My heart often raced knowing all that was at stake while also remembering what evo meant to the community, employees and industry and how immense the opportunity was for us as long as we successfully navigated what were some very rough waters. An extraordinary amount of credit needs to go to every person at evo who put forward their best effort and made last year a success. Everyone felt the pressure and watched as many businesses out there couldn’t sustain. Moreover, we continued to focus on our customer and to make sure all of the touch-points that work together to differentiate the evo brand were still in place. We have a long list of events, partnerships, new relationships, and acknowledgements that support that commitment. We were able to rally with our community and friends and raised money for the tragedy in Haiti. We also partnered with Chihuly and K2 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters raising over $10,000 for at risk youth. evo's transition into what will be the next phase directly parallels the lives of many of us that work here, some of whom have been here from the start. People are getting married, having kids, and buying houses. While childhood was fun and we learned a lot along the way, we are all moving into the next chapter of our lives. As the company moves into what will surely be a new era, it’s very clear that we are verging on an exciting run. How appropriate that our name evo is rooted in the word “evolution”, speaking to the fact that we are always changing, progressing, moving forward. It speaks to the importance of keeping a focus on the ever-changing culture and it also speaks to the sports and products that we are passionate about. Change is inevitable, but when it’s rooted solidly in our values and core purpose, we know that the future is bright. While daunting, it’s also what keeps each of us engaged, enthusiastic and committed to a better future. 2001-2010 has defined evo so far, as will the years ahead. We will continue to set all sights on strengthening our community with great care for all with whom we come in contact going far beyond the simple transaction. When it’s all said and done, it always comes down to the people and I want to express how thankful I am to all of our customers, employees and partners. We have all worked very hard to set the stage for a bright future and we can’t wait for what’s to come. Cheers, Bryce Phillips Synopsis of Video “evo explores the collaboration between culture and sport by seamlessly joining art, music, streetwear, skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and wakeboarding” this quote from the evo website describes this Seattle, Washington based business perfectly. The only element it leaves out is the growing company’s international component. In this video, Bryce Phillips discusses his strategies to compete in what he describes as a global environment and borderless marketplace. He shares his plans for growth, expansion and diversification, all in the context of the global marketplace. Phillips also mentions some of the challenges he faces operating in the global economy. There are financial, political and technological challenges that create another layer of complexity. The video begins with a chance encounter in Japan where he meets Evo customers from around the World. Consider having students visit the Evo website to learn more about their mission, values, and commitment to social responsibility. Previewing Questions 1. Why is it important for managers to understand business cycles and the global economy? Answer: Today, the global economy impacts just about everyone. Managers need to understand business cycles to remain competitive. By anticipating and forecasting, managers can make timely decisions about hiring, purchasing & inventory, as well as financing. Each of these factors can be influenced by what is happening around the world from labor issues to financial crisis. 2. What impact does the global economy have on companies and their labor force? Answer: The global economy has created a great deal more pressure on companies and how they manage human resources. The fact that outsourcing and offshoring are not limited to manufacturing creates threats and opportunities. Companies seeking to lower their labor costs in either the service sector or manufacturing may move jobs overseas. However, experts caution that quality standards, although improving, may not be up to par in some industries. 3. How does a borderless marketplace (economic globalization) affect you personally? Answer: Personal opinion question. Students are likely to realize that most of the clothes they are wearing were manufactured overseas, however, many were probably designed here in the U.S. Everyone should realize that with a borderless marketplace comes greater access to a wider variety of products and services. However, buyers need to be cautious about the quality and be sure they are transacting with a credible business over a secure internet commerce site. Postviewing Questions 4. Although only about 5% of evo’s sales are shipped outside the U.S., the international component of their business impacts its management team. If you were the manager of evo’s customer service team what factors would you consider in setting your employees up for success? Answer: International business is a small percentage of sales yet it is the most complex demanding the greatest amount of human interaction. Therefore it would be beneficial to train a core team of customer service reps who will be designated to handle international sales. The brands that can be shipped outside the U.S. are limited by dealer agreements. If evo were to violate one of these agreements it could jeopardize the dealer relationship so it is essential that everyone in the company know the brand restrictions including the folks working in packingshipping. The policies, laws and procedures related to taxes, duties, and shipping are complex and the training can be limited to a smaller group who will be responsible for handling these calls. In addition, if financially feasible, try to send employees to experience another country’s culture first hand. They will return with fresh ideas and will be better prepared to work with international customers. 5. How has technology helped evo grow and what challenges has it created? Answer: Having an online presence has allowed evo to become a global business with customers from around the world shopping their website. It also creates challenges as they are not always able to sell their products to all of these customers. In addition, due to time differences around the world evo is unable to provide customer service representatives during “daytime shopping hours” in other countries as evo is not open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 6. What do you think Bryce Phillip meant when he said, “Everything we are doing is connected globally?” Answer: Everything we buy, sell or invest in is connected globally. Particularly in evo’s business where so many of their customers also travel around the world – as evidence by the story from the hotel lobby. Another good example he gave was of the shirts made in Bali but sold in Nordstroms. His statement reinforces what we have learned in this chapter – the global marketplace impacts just about everyone. 7. Is the statement above true for all U.S. based companies or just company’s like evo? Explain why or why not. Answer: Although his statement clearly impacts companies like evo that have a global marketplace, it is also true for most organizations as more and more of the products and services we purchase come from the global marketplace. The U.S. trade deficit currently reflects a trend where we are importing more than we export. However, as companies like evo expand and trade agreements are formed, more U.S. based companies will enter this market space. CLOSING CASE: SOLUTION How Wal-Mart Won Chicago For discussion: 1. Demographics is a significant part of Wal-Mart’s strategy. A small percentage of their stores are located in big cities. Most are located in the suburbs where land is cheaper, unions are less powerful, and people need jobs. 2. Elected officials (particularly the mayor) along with lobbyists and a powerful union who were all anti “big box” created a major road block for Wal-Mart. However, The recession was a major factor in opening the doors to Chicago. Because of the high unemployment rate there are higher levels of poverty. The union was willing to negotiate because they had members who needed work. The politicians were willing to negotiate because the unemployed were also living in poverty. Wal-Mart was willing to negotiate because they wanted to place a supercenter where it knew there would be great market potential. 3. Wal-Mart could have handled the situation better by approaching the stakeholders with the final incentive package including wages that are higher than minimum wage early in the process rather than after time consuming and emotionally charged battles with the union and elected officials. 4. Personal opinion. Have students divide in teams. Assign each team to represent a different stakeholder group (community members, unemployed, employed, unions, elected officials, Wal-Mart). Have them present a persuasive position related to Wal-Mart. Consensus building may be difficult but this will be good practice for future managers. INSTRUCTIONAL TIPS 1. Discuss the five myths about older workers. Ask your students whether any of them are true. Does the research evidence affect their opinions? What myths do they think exist in people’s perceptions of younger workers? Ask them to compare their attitudes toward older workers to others’ attitudes toward themselves. Does this perspective make a difference to them? 2. Assuming that females are well represented in your class, a general discussion of the male-versus-female pay and status inequities that are documented in Chapter 3 can be a lively way of eliciting comments about important issues. 3. The significance of innovation lag can be highlighted in class by having students identify potentially valuable but currently underdeveloped ideas they have heard or read about, such as hydrogen-powered cars, roof-top solar cells for electric power generation, two-way television, personal robots, cancer vaccines, and genetically engineered “super” crops and animals. The significance of the impact of innovation lag on our lives can also be illustrated by using medical research as an example. Innovations under study today may provide an AIDS vaccine or a cure for cancer. People are living who used to die, thanks to the medical innovations already in place. This is an example of a case where reducing innovation lag is literally a life-and-death issue. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION/ESSAY QUESTIONS 1. Why is managing diversity still important today, and what major barriers are organizational diversity programs likely to encounter? Answer: Managing diversity remains critically important today for several key reasons, despite progress in many areas. The increasingly globalized and interconnected nature of the world means that organizations are more diverse than ever in terms of employee backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Effectively managing this diversity can lead to a variety of benefits for organizations, including improved innovation, better decision-making, and enhanced performance. Diverse teams are often more creative and effective at problem-solving because they bring a wider range of perspectives to the table. However, despite these benefits, organizational diversity programs often encounter significant barriers. Some of the major challenges include: 1. Unconscious Bias: Even well-intentioned individuals may have unconscious biases that affect their decisions and behaviors. These biases can undermine diversity initiatives by influencing hiring, promotion, and team dynamics in subtle but impactful ways. 2. Resistance to Change: Organizational cultures that have been homogeneous for a long time may resist changes that come with increased diversity. Employees and leaders alike might be uncomfortable with new ways of thinking and working that diversity can bring, leading to pushback against diversity programs. 3. Lack of Commitment from Leadership: For diversity programs to be successful, they require genuine commitment from top leadership. If leaders do not actively support and participate in these initiatives, it sends a message to the rest of the organization that diversity is not truly a priority. 4. Inadequate Training and Education: Without proper training, employees may not understand the importance of diversity or how to work effectively in a diverse environment. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of inclusion. 5. Measurement and Accountability: Measuring the success of diversity programs can be challenging. Without clear metrics and accountability, it’s difficult to assess progress and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes. 6. Cultural Barriers: In multinational organizations, different cultural norms and values can create additional complexity in managing diversity. What works in one cultural context might not be effective or appropriate in another. To overcome these barriers, organizations must take a proactive and comprehensive approach. This includes providing ongoing education and training on diversity and inclusion, fostering an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued, and ensuring leadership commitment to diversity initiatives. Additionally, setting clear goals, tracking progress, and holding leaders accountable for diversity outcomes are crucial steps in making diversity programs successful. In conclusion, managing diversity is essential for organizations to thrive in today’s global and diverse environment. While there are significant barriers to effective diversity management, these can be overcome with sustained effort and commitment from all levels of the organization. 2. Why has management become politicized? What options are open to management when it comes to being politically proactive? Answer: Management has become increasingly politicized due to several factors that intersect with both the internal and external environments of organizations. These factors include regulatory changes, stakeholder expectations, and the broader socio-political climate. Reasons for Politicization of Management 1. Regulatory Environment: Governments and regulatory bodies often implement policies that directly impact how businesses operate. Managers must navigate these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. This requires staying informed about political developments and engaging in lobbying or advocacy efforts to influence policy in ways that benefit their organizations. 2. Stakeholder Expectations: Modern organizations are accountable to a diverse array of stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and communities. These groups often have differing and sometimes conflicting interests. Managers must balance these interests while also addressing social issues such as environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethical business practices, which can be politically charged. 3. Globalization and Trade Policies: As companies expand globally, they encounter various political environments that affect their operations. Trade policies, tariffs, and international relations can significantly influence business strategies. Managers must navigate these complexities to maintain competitive advantage. 4. Social and Cultural Issues: Social movements and cultural shifts influence consumer behavior and public perception. Issues such as diversity and inclusion, gender equality, and environmental sustainability are increasingly important. Managers must respond to these issues to maintain their organization's reputation and align with consumer values. Options for Politically Proactive Management 1. Lobbying and Advocacy: Organizations can engage in lobbying efforts to influence legislation and regulation in their favor. This involves building relationships with policymakers, participating in industry associations, and contributing to political campaigns. 2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: By proactively addressing social and environmental issues, companies can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices. This can enhance their reputation and build goodwill with stakeholders, including consumers and governments. 3. Stakeholder Engagement: Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders are essential. This includes transparent reporting on issues that matter to stakeholders, such as sustainability efforts, diversity initiatives, and ethical governance. Engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue can help organizations anticipate and respond to political and social trends. 4. Strategic Alliances: Forming alliances with other organizations, NGOs, and advocacy groups can amplify a company’s voice on important issues. These alliances can provide support and resources for addressing political challenges and pursuing common goals. 5. Risk Management: Developing robust risk management strategies to anticipate and mitigate political risks is crucial. This includes scenario planning, regulatory compliance programs, and crisis management plans to address potential political disruptions. 6. Corporate Governance: Strengthening corporate governance practices ensures that organizations are well-prepared to handle political pressures. This involves establishing clear policies, ensuring board oversight, and maintaining ethical standards in decision-making processes. Conclusion The politicization of management reflects the complex interplay between business and the broader political landscape. As organizations navigate this environment, being politically proactive is essential for sustaining long-term success. By engaging in lobbying, CSR initiatives, stakeholder engagement, strategic alliances, risk management, and strong corporate governance, managers can effectively address political challenges and leverage opportunities for their organizations. 3. What can management do to prepare for the increasingly global marketplace? Answer: To prepare for the increasingly global marketplace, management can take the following key actions: 1. Develop Cultural Competence: Train employees on cultural awareness and encourage cross-cultural communication. 2. Enhance Language Skills: Offer language training and hire multilingual staff. 3. Understand Global Market Trends: Conduct regular market research and monitor global economic conditions. 4. Build a Diverse Workforce: Recruit talent from various cultural backgrounds and promote inclusivity. 5. Establish International Partnerships: Form strategic alliances with local businesses and participate in global trade networks. 6. Invest in Technology and Infrastructure: Implement global supply chain systems and digital platforms. 7. Comply with Local Regulations: Stay updated on international laws and ensure compliance with local regulations. 8. Adapt Products and Services: Customize offerings to meet local preferences and standards. 9. Develop a Global Mindset: Foster a culture that values global thinking and provide international opportunities for employees. 10. Strengthen Financial Strategies: Manage currency risks and establish financial controls for international transactions. These steps will help management navigate the complexities of the global marketplace and drive international success. 4. What are the steps in the innovation process? What is innovation lag, and what can management do to reverse it? Answer: Steps in the Innovation Process 1. Idea Generation: Brainstorm and gather new ideas. 2. Idea Screening: Evaluate and select the most promising ideas. 3. Concept Development and Testing: Create and refine prototypes or models. 4. Business Analysis: Assess cost, revenue potential, and risks. 5. Product Development: Design, engineer, and produce the product. 6. Market Testing: Introduce to a limited market and gather feedback. 7. Commercialization: Launch on a larger scale and monitor performance. Innovation Lag Innovation lag is the delay between idea generation and commercialization due to slow decision-making, resource constraints, regulatory hurdles, resistance to change, or market unpreparedness. Reversing Innovation Lag 1. Streamline Decision-Making: Implement agile processes. 2. Allocate Resources: Ensure sufficient funding and resources. 3. Foster Innovation Culture: Encourage change and reward innovation. 4. Enhance Collaboration: Promote cross-functional teamwork. 5. Invest in Training: Equip employees with necessary skills. 6. Engage External Partners: Collaborate with startups and research institutions. 7. Monitor Market Trends: Align innovations with market needs. 8. Simplify Compliance: Work closely with regulatory bodies. These steps help reduce innovation lag and expedite bringing new products to market. Discussion Starter: Sustainability Sustainability is often narrowly defined as being “Green” or environmentally friendly. In fact, sustainability encompasses the environment, the economy, and society. As a manager you will likely be encouraged to implement sustainable business practices. For Discussion: 1. Do you see sustainability as an enduring concept or just a passing fad? Explain. Answer: Sustainability is an enduring concept due to several key factors: 1. Global Commitment: International agreements like the Paris Agreement and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals show long-term global dedication to environmental issues. 2. Corporate Integration: Many companies are embedding sustainability into their business strategies to drive innovation, reduce costs, and enhance their reputations. 3. Consumer Demand: Increasing consumer preference for sustainable products is pushing businesses to adopt more eco-friendly practices. 4. Regulatory Pressures: Stricter environmental regulations are making sustainability essential for long-term business viability. 5. Investment Trends: Investors are focusing on companies with strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, promoting sustainable practices. 6. Technological Advancements: Innovations in renewable energy and sustainable technologies are making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to be sustainable. These factors collectively ensure that sustainability is not a passing fad but a fundamental shift in how businesses and societies operate. 2. What can you personally do to promote sustainability? Answer: To promote sustainability personally, I can: 1. Reduce Waste: Minimize single-use plastics, recycle, and compost. 2. Conserve Energy: Use energy-efficient appliances and reduce energy consumption at home. 3. Sustainable Transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation whenever possible. 4. Support Eco-friendly Products: Purchase products from companies committed to sustainable practices. 5. Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about environmental issues and support policies that promote sustainability. By taking these steps, I can contribute to a more sustainable future. 3. What best practices do business managers need to follow to achieve sustainability? Answer: Business managers can achieve sustainability by following these best practices: 1. Integrate Sustainability into Strategy: Make sustainability a core part of the business strategy. 2. Efficient Resource Use: Optimize energy and water use, and reduce waste. 3. Sustainable Supply Chain: Partner with eco-friendly suppliers and ensure ethical sourcing. 4. Employee Engagement: Educate and involve employees in sustainability initiatives. 5. Innovate for Sustainability: Invest in sustainable technologies and practices. 6. Transparency and Reporting: Regularly report on sustainability goals and progress to stakeholders. These practices help businesses minimize their environmental impact and promote long-term viability. 4. As someone who is inheriting the earth’s future, what do you think of how things have been handled in the past? What changes would you like to see on a global level to deal with this problem? Answer: As someone inheriting the earth's future, I believe past approaches to sustainability have been inadequate. To address this, I'd like to see the following changes on a global level: 1. Stronger Environmental Policies: Implement and enforce stricter regulations to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural habitats, and promote sustainable practices. 2. Shift to Renewable Energy: Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. 3. Circular Economy: Embrace a circular economy model that minimizes waste and maximizes the use of resources. 4. Education and Awareness: Increase education and awareness about environmental issues and sustainable living practices. 5. Global Cooperation: Foster international collaboration to address environmental challenges that transcend national boundaries. These changes are crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. BONUS VIDEOS BIZFLIX VIDEO CASES FROM THE TEXTBOOK WEBSITE Discussion Questions and Guide Chapter 3 Video Case: Charlie Wilson’s War VIDEO CASE SYNOPSIS Democratic Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) from East Texas lives a reckless life that includes heavy drinking and chasing attractive women. The film focuses on Wilson’s involvement in the Afghanistan rebellion against the Soviet troop invasion in the 1980s. Wilson becomes the unlikely champion of the Afghan cause through his role in two major congressional committees that deal with foreign policy and covert operations. Houston socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) strongly urges the intervention. CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman) helps with some details. This sequence appears early in the film after a scene showing the characters drinking and partying in a hot tub. It opens with a shot of the Capitol Building. Congressman Charlie Wilson talks to his assistant Bonnie (Amy Adams) while walking to chambers for a vote. The sequence ends after Wilson enters the chambers. VIDEO CASE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTED ANSWERS 1. Of the various types of environments that managers may be involved in, which is most prominent in this video? Answer: The film deals primarily with the political-legal environment, as opposed to the social environment, the economic environment, or the technological environment. Students should understand that both politics and the law hold a great deal of influence over the way business is conducted, and that many of the issues of concern to business managers will be identified, evaluated, and possibly resolved through political and legal channels. 2. Discuss how the Bonnie character is representative of women in the workplace. Answer: Although there are many women in prominent positions within the U.S. government, Bonnie is an assistant to a Congressman, which, according to statistics, is representative of the fact that most working women still occupy lower level positions. Students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of this “glass ceiling,” as well as an understanding of the pay gap between men and women. 3. At one point in the film clip, Wilson says he is “on the other side” of ethics. What does he mean by this? Discuss the significance of this statement. Answer: Wilson is clearly surprised that he is being assigned to the ethics committee. From this, we can surmise that he is not known for ethical conduct, and is perhaps even somewhat proud of his reputation. Students will have differing opinions about whether this is acceptable in a politician, which can extend to their attitudes toward the value and importance of ethical conduct among businesspeople. BONUS LECTURE Change Leaps Change in civilization over the years has been both gradual and sudden. Many of the most significant changes have occurred relatively quickly, with a scientific discovery, invention, or other shift. Certain discoveries or inventions over the years have created dramatic shifts in the way people live, learn, work, and play. Some are from so long ago that we take them completely for granted; others are recent enough that you or your parents may remember experiencing them. A few of the most significant follow. Several of these may not seem to have much to do with business, but they do. Business, after all, is the tool we use to exchange things of value. As you review these, consider what “business” was like before and after the changes. • The shift to farming and domesticated animals as a food source. Before that, people survived by hunting and gathering. This led to a nomadic existence, with only oral traditions, and a minimum of material goods. Most of people’s time was spent in survival activities. • The development of the movable-type printing press. Written words were suddenly not just the property of a wealthy, educated few. Books became available, then plentiful. Literacy changed from a rare situation to an expected one. Communication was expanded from the perspective of both time and distance. Learning began to be valued by a much broader base of the population. • The invention of the assembly-line approach to production. Before this, most products were expensively custom built or homemade. Assembly lines produced goods that most people could afford. Economies shifted from agrarian to industrial, and home-built products such as clothes and furniture were purchased ready-made instead. This started the consumer age. • The invention of the silicon microchip. This led to a cheap and easy source for information storage and retrieval, launching our information age. You probably own a PC that is more powerful than the computers that put people on the moon in the 1960s. In this new millennium, who knows what leaps we will make that will forever change the face of our world. Every one of those listed above had an impact on society and consequently on business. For Discussion The following are some leaps that could occur during this millennium. For each, consider the impact on society and on business. Who will benefit and who will be hurt, at least in the short run? 1. The development of a cheap source of energy that is virtually unlimited, yet small enough to fit in a pocket. 2. The development of a “transporter,” similar to the one used on “Star Trek,” that could ship both goods and people across the street or around the world cheaply and instantaneously. 3. The development of special memory chips that could be implanted in the human brain, designed to impart specific skills and knowledge without the need to “learn” in the standard way. 4. The development of an easily accessible information source, available virtually free simultaneously to anyone in the world, that allows both information dissemination and simultaneous communication with anyone who has the proper equipment. (Wait! That one is already taking shape on the Internet! How will it change our future?) BONUS ACTIVITY COOPERATIVE LEARNING TOOL: INSTRUCTOR NOTES Family Issues in the Workplace Despite advances in the perception of working women, one area that has not been gender-neutralized is the role of working women with regard to family and home care. Many working mothers are still expected to provide the same level of support at home as mothers from a generation ago who didn’t work outside the home. The following exercise is designed to test how gender-neutral the attitudes of your students actually are when it comes to work/family balance issues. To administer the test, distribute form F to all your students. After they respond, calculate mean scores for the entire class and for male and female respondents. The lower the score, the more gender-neutral the attitudes of the respondents. Chances are that the scores of the women in the class will be lower than the men’s scores. To illustrate that even students who consider themselves liberal may not be totally gender-neutral, distribute form M of the test, and compare the changes in students’ scores from those for form F. To stress any generational changes, students may be encouraged to give these tests (form F first, then form M) to their parents or other older adults, to compare the answers to theirs. You may want to experiment with giving form M first, to see whether there is any difference in the answers or in the discussions as a result of the change. FAMILY ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE (FORM F) For each of the following questions, indicate your level of agreement, using the scoring system shown below. 1 2 3 4 5 Totally disagree Disagree somewhat Neither agree nor disagree Agree somewhat Totally agree ____ 1. In order for a woman to have both a career and a family, she will have to compromise in one area or another. ____ 2. It is not reasonable to ask a woman with small children to take a promotion that would involve a lot of travel. ____ 3. Many women would prefer to stay home and raise their children if they could afford to. ____ 4. Companies should provide a separate “mommy track” for women who are working mothers to help them more effectively balance work and family life and in recognition that they will not be able to contribute as much to the organization while their children are small. ____ 5. Working mothers should receive special consideration in the workplace because of additional family responsibilities at home. ____ 6. Paid maternity leave should be at least an optional benefit for all working women. TOTAL SCORE: ________ FAMILY ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE (FORM M) For each of the following questions, indicate your level of agreement, using the scoring system shown below. 1 2 3 4 5 Totally disagree Disagree somewhat Neither agree nor disagree Agree somewhat Totally agree ____ 1. In order for a man to have both a career and a family, he will have to compromise in one area or another. ____ 2. It is not reasonable to ask a man with small children to take a promotion that would involve a lot of travel. ____ 3. Many men would prefer to stay home and raise their children if they could afford to. ____ 4. Companies should provide a separate “daddy track” for men who are working fathers to help them more effectively balance work and family life and in recognition that they will not be able to contribute as much to the organization while their children are small. ____ 5. Working fathers should receive special consideration in the workplace because of additional family responsibilities at home. ____ 6. Paid paternity leave should be at least an optional benefit for all working men. TOTAL SCORE: ________ Solution Manual for Management Robert Kreitner, Charlene Cassidy 9781111221362
