Organizational Behavior Chapter 7 Homework

Chapter 7 Assignment

Amica insurance is in the process of increasing productivity so that it can compete with other insurance competitors (eg. Blue Cross, State Farm, etc.). The challenges involved include the managers increasing productivity without hiring new employees due to lack of available funds.  This created an environment where the high performing employees felt they were picking up the slack of the lower performing employees. This is affecting overall productivity by allowing the results to affect their emotions.  This prompted management to track each employee’s productivity for a 30-day period by installing RescueTime.com.  After the month is over, the manager will conduct a review of each employee’s performance results from RescueTime.com.

                                        [pic 1]

1. What is the purpose of using RescueTime.com ?

1. Its purpose is to offer management perspective on what the employees are spending most of their time doing.  This would enable management to address any inefficiency and work with the employees to improve their current processes.

1. Should the manager tell the employees that he is using a resource to monitor time management?

1. Yes, disclosing the use of the program would encourage employees to utilize some its features preemptively, for example setting goals for themselves without management’s directions.  It would increase productivity & time management because they are now aware of being monitored.

1. What ethical issues may arise from using RescueTime.com ?

1. For companies that do not disclose of the use of RescueTime.com, it could lead to resentment, distrust and increase employee stress.

1. How should the manager communicate to his team that he will be utilizing Rescuetime.com ?

1. It is crucial how the manager delivers the message to his employees that Rescuetime.com will be used in the workplace. In order to receive overall employee approval, the manager should deliver the news in a positive manner and explain why the company wants to use it. Furthermore, the manager should reassure his employees and emphasize benefits of the program.

Conclusion

Rescuetime.com serves as a time management tool that offers individuals and management an overview of employee productivity. Prior to using this program, management should inform it’s employees and encourage the utilization of its features to increase performance and productivity. By reassuring employees and emphasizing the benefits of the program, it may further encourage acceptance of its use.  If management chooses not to disclose the use of this program, it may viewed as an invasion of privacy as mentioned by Andrew Burke (The Meshiest team). Other ethical issues that may arise include distrust, resentment and increased stress. This can be addressed by conducting frequent meetings with the employees to review the performance data, provide feedback and transparency as mentioned by Beamer Aston (Kickstarters). Managers should take into consideration that productivity scores may vary among employees due to the demands of individual tasks. Overall, RescueTime gives an accurate picture of how employees spend their time and helps to improve their productivity.