As a consultant in organisational development, Batho Pele Dot Com has tasked you to provide advice

Question

for changes and intervention. Batho Pele Dot Com is currently characterized by a bureaucratic
management style and rigid structures, and its managers are mostly male. Following the new labour
legislation, quite a number of employees were suddenly retrenched, the reason for the retrenchment is
3
said to be finances. Following retrenchments, a number of employees from previously disadvantaged
groups have been selected and placed in the production-line vacancies. However, there are still a number
of positions vacant. Older employees have complained about discrimination and selection strategies.
According to supervisors, production deadlines and targets are not achieved, and new employees are
expected to work without having the minimum qualifications and required training. The Human Resource
manager indicates that the mood amongst employees is negative, and lateness, illness, complaints, and
personnel turnover are increasing. Some employees have already had meetings and threatened to take
further action if management does not resign or listen.
Questions:
1. Identify five problems experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com. (5)
2.2 Describe five I-O Psychology specialist that will be applicable for any five problems as identified
in 2.1. Indicate which specialist will be responsible for each specific problem. (20

Answer 1

1. Identification of Problems Experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com

1. Bureaucratic Management Style: The organization's rigid management structure has resulted in inefficiencies and a lack of responsiveness to employee needs.

2. Discrimination and Selection Issues: There are complaints from older employees about discrimination concerning the selection processes for new hires, particularly in light of the recent changes to improve diversity.

3. Training and Qualification Gaps: New employees are being placed in positions without the necessary qualifications and training, leading to poor productivity and unmet production deadlines.

4. Negative Employee Morale: The overall mood among employees is negative, which is reflected in increasing lateness, absenteeism, complaints, and turnover rates.

5. Threats of Employee Action: Employees have expressed dissatisfaction to the extent of threatening further action if management does not respond to their concerns.

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2. I-O Psychology Specialists Applicable to Identified Problems

1. Bureaucratic Management Style
   Specialist: Organizational Development (OD) Consultant
   Responsibility: An OD consultant can assess the current management structure and recommend strategies to foster a more agile, inclusive, and participatory management style. Interventions may involve workshops and training sessions aimed at leadership development and restructuring processes.

2. Discrimination and Selection Issues
   Specialist: Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
   Responsibility: This specialist can evaluate and redesign the recruitment and selection processes to reduce bias, ensuring compliance with diversity regulations. They would facilitate training for managers to recognize and address their biases during hiring.

3. Training and Qualification Gaps
   Specialist: Training and Development Specialist
   Responsibility: This role involves assessing the training needs of employees and designing tailored training programs to equip them with the necessary skills and qualifications to perform their jobs effectively. They would ensure that proper onboarding and continuous education are in place.

4. Negative Employee Morale
   Specialist: Employee Relations Specialist
   Responsibility: An Employee Relations Specialist can conduct surveys and focus groups to better understand employee sentiments, addressing the underlying causes of negativity. They could assist in creating policies that promote engagement, well-being, and open communication channels between employees and management.

5. Threats of Employee Action
   Specialist: Conflict Resolution Specialist
   Responsibility: This specialist is equipped to mediate disputes and facilitate discussions between management and dissatisfied employees to address grievances comprehensively. They would work towards conflict resolution strategies that are respectful and aim to restore a productive workplace atmosphere.

Through the collaborative work of these specialists, Batho Pele Dot Com can address its organizational challenges holistically and effectively, leading to a healthier workplace culture and better performance outcomes.