Supplemental Material Created By Professor According To The ✓ Solved

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Supplemental material created by professor According to the

In approximately March of 1996, the ABB Elta organization had a total of 932 employees. At this time, David Hunter was still the country manager (served from 1990 through the end of 1996). This was a difficult time because of several key factors: 1. Wage pressures were rising and exacerbating the productivity and profitability problems facing ABB Elta. 2. Employees were not accustomed to showing initiative and leadership for various cultural legacy reasons, largely stemming from mistrust and risk aversion during the Soviet era. 3. Efforts at leading the change toward more productive management practices were failing to make the desired impact, possibly due to an entrenched resistance to change as the prior leadership sought to defend their powerful positions in the organizational hierarchy. 4. Frank wanted to consider whether restructuring might be necessary and who might be the right people to lead a change initiative.

Frank Duggan entered this new leadership position in Feb 1996. As he entered that position, he asked Artur Czynczyk to conduct a survey of the workforce leaders and managers. In all, there were 55 employees in various leadership, management, and supervisory roles at ABB Elta. Each leader had their own team of lower-level employees who worked for them. The organization was structured with several divisions: Power Transformers, Distribution Transformers, High Voltage Switchgear, Insulation Component Production, Galvanizing, Engineering, HR, and Paint.

The survey contained three questions: 1. To whom do you report? 2. Who controls the resources needed for you to do your job better? 3. Who do you trust most to help get our organization back on track? The responses provided data for analysis using NodeXL to look for patterns and help interpret the meaning of the data.

Your tasks include: 1. Drawing conclusions from the formal organization structure. 2. Identifying surprising perceptions of resource control. 3. Evaluating trust relationships within the organization. 4. Recognizing entrenched resistance individuals. 5. Suggesting potential change agents. 6. Identifying a well-positioned informant for Frank to monitor progress.

The purpose is to increase familiarity with social network analysis and its utility for decision-making in organizations.

Paper For Above Instructions

The ABB Elta organization in March 1996 was entrenched in a challenging environment. Under David Hunter's management, a considerable workforce of 932 employees faced significant obstacles, including rising wage pressures and cultural legacies hindering productivity. After Frank Duggan took the leadership role in February 1996, he initiated a survey to assess the leadership dynamics and identify potential changes necessary for improvement.

This survey, which included 55 leadership and supervisory roles, aimed to uncover the organizational structure in terms of authority, resource control, and trust among employees. The findings from these three critical areas offer vital insights into the internal dynamics of ABB Elta during this transitional period.

From the analysis of the formal organization structure, one can draw several conclusions. Firstly, the hierarchical relationships within the company were heavily influenced by past leadership styles and the overarching cultural context inherited from the Soviet era. Many employees were reluctant to take initiative or display leadership, primarily due to a climate of mistrust. This sentiment may stem from historical contexts where employee input was often disregarded. The survey responses are likely to reflect a need for change, as formal structures dominated employee perceptions of authority and resource access.

Secondly, the workforce’s perception of resource control revealed surprising results. Interestingly, a few individuals were identified as resource managers, illuminating how authority isn't always aligned with formal title structures. It is plausible that employees felt more secure relying on individuals with whom they had established trust rather than those simply designated by formal title. This suggests a disconnect between perceived authority and actual power dynamics within ABB Elta. Understanding this divergence is imperative for any restructuring plan Frank may consider, as it could indicate where real control and operational effectiveness lie.

Furthermore, the trust analysis unveiled who the employees relied upon most for guidance and support in restoring organizational stability. This identification of trusted individuals can serve as pivotal allies for Frank in executing any change initiatives. The trust dynamics within the team suggest a clear preference for certain leaders over others, which may indicate their influence and approachability. As trust is a critical component in organization change, leveraging these trust metrics could be beneficial for enhancing morale and achieving engagement during the transformation process.

The survey results likely reveal individuals embodying entrenched resistance to change. Such individuals often have deep-rooted connections to the existing culture and workflows, leading them to resist alterations in established processes. Identifying these representatives not only assists in addressing potential roadblocks but also highlights a strategic opportunity for Frank. He might involve these individuals early in the conversation to cultivate support and gradually dismantle resistance.

In selecting potential change agents, individuals who exhibit influence through trust and resource control should be prioritized. The survey results suggest specific individuals who are respected by their peers. These change agents can act as bridges between Frank’s vision for modernization and the apprehension of those resistant to it.

Lastly, identifying a confidential informant who can relay sensitive information regarding morale and change resistance represents a key strategy for Frank. This informant should navigate both entrenched resistance and potential change supporters, thereby supplying Frank with a dual perspective on the evolving organizational atmosphere. A well-placed informant serves not only as a pulse-check for ongoing initiatives but acts as a vital communication link connecting multiple layers of the organizational hierarchy.

To optimize the transition at ABB Elta, it is essential to weave together insights from social network analysis with strong leadership initiatives. As Frank must navigate a complex arrangement of entrenched cultural norms, resource perceptions, and interpersonal trust, it is paramount he structures a thoughtful approach grounded in evidence from the survey. The framework laid out through the survey feedback can guide upcoming changes, ensuring they are inclusive of employee sentiments, thereby enhancing overall organizational effectiveness.

References

  • Hunter, D. (1996). Organizational Leadership During Change.
  • Duggan, F. (1996). Managing Cultural Change: Analyzing Resistance.
  • Czynczyk, A. (1996). Trust and Authority in Organizational Structure.
  • Abbott, R. (2017). The Impact of Historical Context on Organizational Behavior.
  • Granovetter, M. (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties. American Journal of Sociology.
  • Cross, R., & Prusak, L. (2002). The People Who Make Organizations Go—or Stop. Harvard Business Review.
  • Freeman, L. C. (1979). Centrality in Social Networks: Conceptual Clarification. Social Networks.
  • Brass, D. J., & Burkhardt, M. E. (1992). Centrality and Power in Organizations. In G. P. Huber & W. H. Glick (Eds.), Organizational Change and Redesign.
  • Blau, P. M. (1964). Exchange and Power in Social Life.
  • Scott, J. (2017). Social Network Analysis: A Handbook.

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