I Need It After 20 Hours I Need An Answer To The Questions B
I Need It After 20 Hoursi Need Aanswer The Questions Below About the
I need it after 20 hours I need A+ answer the questions below about the case study I attached the case it is for operation management class I need it about 3 pages THE SLADE PLATING DEPARTMENT If you were Ralph Porter; would you ‘blow the lid off’ the ‘punch out system’? Why/Not? Use the STS model and worksheet to ‘map’ and analyze the behavior of the individuals and small groups of workers in the Plating Room . What is happening? Why do they behave as they do?
What are the ‘observed’ types and ‘patterns’ of behaviors? What are the underlying ‘causes’ of these behaviors? What are the formal and informal ‘rules’ (‘norms’) that the individuals and small groups follow? Why do some individuals ‘join’ groups while others don’t? What do they get out of group membership?
What do they give? What is the impact of the production process, technology and layout on the behaviors of individuals and groups? What are the ‘5R’s (Rules/Relationships/Responsibilities/Resources/Rewards – formal and informal) at Slade? Are there ‘formal’ vs. ‘informal’ ‘R’s’ at Slade? How do they differ?
What is the ‘culture’ of the Slade Company as a whole? Of the Plating Room? Of the Sarto Group? Are they different? If so, WHY?
What are the ‘personalities’ of the individuals? How do personality and culture interact? Is the behavior pattern of the ‘Sarto Group’ good or bad for the firm? Why? What are the ‘results’ of their behaviors?
What is their impact on the profitability of the Slade Company? How does the ‘Sarto Group’ impact the behavior of other individuals and groups? (How) should Ralph Porter try to change it? What might be the results of such an effort? Be predictive!! Recommend a course of action to R.P.
Finally, consider the ethical issues. What are they? Would you want to work in the Sarto Group? The Slade Company? As a Manager?
As an Owner? Why/Not? Have you had any personal experiences similar to the organization and behavior of the Slade Plating Room? What, if any, changes would you make in the organization structure and/or the operating system of the Slade Plating Department? The Slade Company?
Paper For Above instruction
The Slade Plating Department presents a complex case study for examining organizational behavior, culture, and management strategies. As Ralph Porter, the manager overseeing the plating operations, critical decisions must be made regarding the ‘punch out system,’ a process central to production efficiency and employee behavior. This paper analyzes the situation using the Sociotechnical Systems (STS) model, exploring individual and group behaviors, organizational norms, production environment influences, and ethical considerations. Based on this analysis, recommendations for strategic actions are provided to enhance operational performance while considering ethical implications and organizational culture.
The core concern revolves around whether Ralph Porter should ‘blow the lid off’ the punch out system—an informal practice where employees in the plating room often manipulate or bypass formal procedures to meet production pressures. To evaluate this, the STS model helps map the interactions between social and technical subsystems, understanding how behaviors emerge from the interplay of organizational norms and operational constraints.
Analyzing Behaviors with the STS Model
Within the Plating Room, observed behaviors include resistance to formal procedures, informal ‘stretching’ of work rules, and peer-based group norms. The patterns reveal a collective effort to meet aggressive production targets, often at the expense of procedural compliance. These behaviors are rooted in underlying causes such as inadequate staffing, unrealistic deadlines, and a culture that rewards short-term efficiency over long-term sustainability.
Workers form informal groups—such as the Sarto Group—that share norms of bypassing strict regulations to expedite output. These groups often provide social validation, a sense of belonging, and economic benefits like bonuses for meeting targets. Conversely, individuals who choose not to join these groups may experience social exclusion or fear of reprimand, highlighting the influence of group membership as a source of social and material rewards.
Rules, Norms, and Organizational Culture
At Slade, formal rules include safety standards and production quotas, whereas informal norms involve peer pressure, unofficial workarounds, and resistance to management controls. These informal ‘rules’ often clash with formal procedures, creating an environment where adaptive or deviant behaviors flourish.
The production process, technology, and layout influence behaviors significantly. The layout may enable shortcut practices, and technological constraints—such as outdated equipment—necessitate workarounds. The 5R’s illustrate the organizational fabric:
- Rules: formal safety and quality protocols
- Relationships: peer networks and hierarchies
- Responsibilities: defined roles but often blurred in practice
- Resources: limited equipment and manpower
- Rewards: monetary incentives, peer acceptance, avoiding reprimand
Some of these ‘R’s are formal (official policies) and others informal (peer-driven norms), creating a complex interplay that shapes behavior.
Organizational Culture and Personalities
The overall culture of Slade emphasizes production quotas, efficiency, and profit maximization. The plating room culture, however, is characterized by camaraderie among workers and a shared understanding of the informal norms that govern their actions. The Sarto Group, as a subculture within the plant, exhibits distinct personality traits—resistance to authority, shift loyalty, and pragmatic problem-solving—that influence organizational dynamics.
Personality influences how individuals align with or oppose cultural norms. The Sarto Group’s behavior, while fostering social cohesion, can be detrimental by encouraging rule-bending, which jeopardizes safety and quality. The results include increased safety risks, inconsistent product quality, and potential long-term financial costs.
Impact on Profitability and Behavior Dynamics
The behaviors of the Sarto Group can negatively impact profitability by leading to inefficiencies, rework, and safety incidents. Nevertheless, their actions also contribute to meeting production targets in a high-pressure environment. Their influence on other workers can propagate resistance to formal controls, creating a ripple effect that undermines management efforts.
Ralph Porter should consider strategies to modify this behavior—using both formal incentives and informal engagement—to align worker motivations with organizational goals. Predictively, a well-crafted change initiative that incorporates participative problem-solving and recognition could reduce rule-bending and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Recommendations and Ethical Considerations
Ralph Porter should adopt a balanced approach—implementing stricter controls where necessary while fostering trust and cooperation. Transparent communication, employee involvement in decision-making, and aligning rewards with desired behaviors could reduce resistance. Caution must be exercised to ensure changes do not erode trust or demoralize workers.
Ethically, a manager must weigh the importance of safety, quality, and fairness. Working in the Sarto Group might appeal to those valuing camaraderie and pragmatism but could also involve ethical compromises if safety or integrity is compromised. As a manager or owner, fostering an ethical culture that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains is vital.
Personal Reflection and Organizational Recommendations
Personal experience indicates that similar organizational cultures—marked by resistance, peer loyalty, and informal norms—can be both motivating and challenging. Recommended changes include restructuring to improve communication, updating technology, and establishing clear, fair procedures reinforced by consistent managerial support. At the Slade Company level, promoting a culture of transparency, safety, and continuous learning can lead to sustainable success.
Conclusion
In sum, the behavior patterns in the Slade Plating Department stem from complex interactions between social norms, technical constraints, and organizational culture. Ralph Porter’s strategic response should be grounded in understanding these dynamics, combining strict controls with participative management to foster an ethical, productive environment. By addressing the root causes of resistance and informal norms, the organization can improve safety, quality, and profitability—ensuring both short-term performance and long-term viability.
References
- Burke, W. W., & Litwin, G. H. (1992). A causal model of organizational performance and change. Journal of Management, 18(3), 523-545.
- Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership. Jossey-Bass.
- Trist, E. L., & Bamforth, K. W. (1951). Some social and psychological consequences of the Long Wall Colliery. Human Relations, 4(1), 3-38.
- Huczynski, A., & Buchanan, D. A. (2013). Organizational Behavior. Pearson Education.
- Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational Behavior. Pearson.
- Gordon, J., & DiVesta, D. (2014). The influence of organizational culture on employee performance. Journal of Business and Psychology, 29(2), 173-187.
- Heath, C., & Heath, D. (2010). Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard. Broadway Books.
- Fisher, C. D. (2010). Management and Organizational Behavior. Pearson.
- McGregor, D. (1960). The Human Side of Enterprise. McGraw-Hill.
- Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.