Barbara T. Shapiro

Anatomy of a merger: behavior of organizational factors and processes throughout the pre‐ during‐ post‐ stages (part 2)

The multiple organizational factors impacting upon a merger as well as those processes being impacted upon throughout the merger process will be examined. Part 1 of this article examined corporate culture and its affects on employees when two companies merge and considered the importance of lucid communication throughout the process. Part 2 of the article addresses the critical issue of stress, which is an outcome within the new and uncertain environment. Finally, the article concludes with the process of managing and strategy throughout the phases, giving guidelines that managers and CEOs should follow in the event of an MA during the merger; post‐merger. This is intended to further assist managers and CEOs distinguish the important issues facing employees at each of the three junctures of the M&A process.

The management of multicultural group conflict

With the globalization of trade and advancement of technology, diverse task groups are required to work together. With new models of teamwork, conflict will accelerate from a variety of sources as multicultural groups emerge. This article explores this problem and challenge by presenting contemporary research. The process model of conflict and the structural model will be examined as well as the cognitive and interactional theories of conflict to consider congruence with organization demands. Conflict in a multicultural task groups is discussed considering the six dimensions of culture as well as trust (mistrust) and communications (miscommunications). Diversity as an antecedent condition of perception of conflict is presented utilizing Hofstede’s classical research framework. A systematic process to diagnose as well as implement these strategies conclude this article in conjunction with the development of key behavioral skills and competencies to assess managers to deal with conflict, culture and change.

Generation “X” and the boomers: an analysis of realities and myths

A case study was conducted to identify and to dispel the current stereotypes in the workplace regarding Generation X and Baby Boomers. For the purpose of the study Generation X consisted of those born between 1961 and 1981, while Baby Boomers consisted of those born between 1943 and 1960. The purpose of this article was to use a custom designed survey based on the literature as the foundation to test congruence or lack of it, to address six commonly held myths presented by Paul and Townsend (1993). Furthermore it was intended to test empirical research gathered by a literature review of the stereotypes in the workplace, to better understand the profiles and factors that motivate the Baby Boomers and Generation X, in conjunction with the following independent variables: age, productivity, motivation, training, mentoring and job satisfaction. The hypothesis tested suggested that Generation Xers are more productive, more motivated, and easily trainable and exhibit higher job satisfaction levels as compared to Baby Boomers. It is important for or ganizations to recognize the limitations that stereotypes create in the workplace. As was demonstrated by the survey, Baby Boomers and Generation Xers are not dissimilar as employees; they possess more similarities than differences. Organizations need to foster an environment of respect/equity for both groups to create synergies between them to build and maintain a productive workforce.

Downsizing: measuring the costs of failure

A five‐year review of the literature on the management practice of downsizing and its related costs published between 1994 and 1998 is used to analyze the positive and negative outcomes attributable to downsizing. The article examines downsizing to assess its impact on both the individual employee (the human element) and on the organization (the business factor). It is recognized that some degree of downsizing was inevitable over the last 20 years due to technological advances, business process reengineering, and a trend of cost‐cutting brought on by economic downturn and a globalization of the economy. Nevertheless, poor implementation of downsizing strategies by unprepared and unskilled managers, working in a vacuum of political leadership, made the experience worse than it needed to be. It was concluded that, although there can be many positive outcomes to a downsizing project, in the end the negative outcomes outweigh the positive.

The self‐directed team

To stay competitive on both local and global scales, companies have to respond rapidly to their customers and to the increasing role of information technology. One way of answering the demands that face today’s management, is to increase employees’ implication in the organization by empowering them. The shift from top to bottom authority to a team‐oriented organization is part of this process. Self‐directed teams (SDT) are a key element in making this shift work. In this paper, after a brief definition and description of this kind of team, we will focus on conflict management as an important factor for their success. Conflict and its mechanisms will first be developed, its consequences on group decision making will be studied at the SDTs level, and a set of conflict management alternatives will finally be presented.

Mentoring Revisited: An Organizational Behaviour Construct

Describes an evolving dynamic relationship between protege and mentor, which strongly impacts on the entire organization and those microcomponents associated with organizational behaviour in general. These include individual processes, interpersonal and work group processes, and organizational structure. Pays specific attention to leadership, corporate culture, gender differences, job satisfaction and performance. Finds that mentoring is related to organizational behaviour in general.

Career management in information technology: a case study

Examines career management, development and performance as proposed in the career management research by Noe, which was defined for studying individual career management. Reviews the organizational career management program and the outcomes of organizational development and performance. Applies the Noe model to measure outcomes and determine if there is a direct relationship between career management programs, performance and development. The study involved three different organizations in the IT sector and HRPs as the respondents. A questionnaire was developed using Burack’s career management audit, and selected measures from various sources for development and performance. The results do not prove that the relationships exist. However, recommendations for future study involve performance as a precursor to career management and development. Recommendations for organizations include a review of career paths, development moves, retirement planning, and a research oriented human resources database.

Generation X and the boomers: organizational myths and literary realities

An extensive literature search was conducted to better understand and to dispel the current stereotypes in the workplace regarding Generation X and Baby Boomers. For the purpose of the article Generation X consisted of those born between 1961 and 1981, while Baby Boomers consisted of those born between 1943 and 1960. The purpose of this article was to use an exhaustive review of eclectic/multidisciplinary literature to address six commonly held myths presented by Paul and Townsend (1993). Furthermore, it was intended to examine empirical research gathered by a literature review of the stereotypes in the workplace, to better understand the profiles and factors that motivate the Baby Boomers and Generation X, in conjunction with the following independent variables: age, productivity, motivation, training, and mentoring and job satisfaction. Selected hypotheses were tested suggesting Generation Xers are more productive, more motivated, easily trainable and exhibit higher job satisfaction levels as compared to Baby Boomers. Results were convergent and divergent in several cases worth noting. It is important for organizations to recognize the limitations that stereotypes create in the workplace. As was demonstrated by the varied research, Baby Boomers and Generation Xers are not dissimilar as employees; they possess more similarities than differences. Organizations need to engineer/design an environment of respect for both groups to create synergies between them to build and maintain a productive workforce.

The early retirement incentive program: a downsizing strategy

The literature on downsizing and downsizing through early retirement programs lead to a clear conclusion: managers must take a very thoughtful approach to downsizing. Poor planning, knee‐jerk reactions, miscommunication with employees and the mishandling of remaining employees can lead to failure. Despite all the benefits, early retirement incentive programs have received harsh criticism on a number of fronts. The legal, societal, and individual implications of early retirement incentive programs are numerous. The key to reducing this uncertainty and potential negative outcomes is the ability to predict beforehand which employees will accept the early retirement packages. Many factors influence the decision to retire and are examined. Predicting who or why someone will retire is extremely difficult. One of the missing ingredients for the success of these programs can be found in the Human Resources Department and its activities. This is the linking pin for all training, development and education efforts intended to socialize the existing management team responsible for this activity and its success as well as failures to deal with the new changes and culture of a downsized organization. Attention is given to the role and major issues of this intervention.

Mergers 101 (part two): training managers for culture, stress, and change challenges

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to establish what managers need in terms of being acculturated and trained to manage the implications of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on their organizations considering the variables: change, communications, leadership, culture and stress.Design/methodology/approach – The paper compiles strategies gleaned from academic research literature with particular reference to the most common problems management encounters during M&A implementation and execution.Findings – The independent variables key for successful M&A implementation and execution are identified: communication, leadership and trust, organizational culture, change and stress. The literature review demonstrates the important roles played by each variable throughout the M&A process.Originality/value – The paper provides management with insights on how to prepare for M&A and design a sound behavioral approach in order to achieve the expected post M&A gains and opportunities in a timely manner. This is significant ...