Question

Case Study 5

Lean Initiatives and Growth at Orlando Metering Company (page 591).

After reading the case, answer the following questions:

1.     Why was employee morale low?

2.     Why does culture have to fit the organizational design?

3.     What structural change did Ed implement?

4.     What should Ed do to reduce turnover and absenteeism?

Answer 1

1. Employee morale was low becasue when the expasion happened and number of employess increased, the OMC enterd into lean manufacturing was usccessful in the begining but later failed to adopt to new systems and folowed the traditional work an team culture. When concentrating on technical aspects , the firm could not manage the employee amd team realations. Lean cuture deteriorated.The team failed to provide the proper training and attention needed by the employees and
relied too heavily on the experienced employees .

2. Culture has to fit in organizational design for effective implementation of business plans. The exapnsion made employess impersoanl and affected the workings. Culture would keep them stress free and less irritated. Ony better organisational structure and interconnection would help keep employees happy and committed.

3. when the expansion happpened, Ed implemented the lean manufacturing culture and
lean thinking. Due to tremendous growth the cultureof the organisation changed making a imbalance between lean new culture an dthe traditional tight management practices. Technical skills were given more importance than inter pesonal skills affecting the morale of the employess. So Ed resorted to traning the new employees through experienced employees.

4. To reduce trurover and absenteism, Ed has to work to achieve a balance between employee happiness and technical skills. Concentrating on improving lean manufacturing would help overcome the technical difficulties. Employees could be consulted before taking any such decisions.