Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow.
As a consultant in organisational development, Batho Pele Dot Com has tasked you to provide advice
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
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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:
2.1. Identify five problems experienced by Batho Pele Dot Com.
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 specific problem.
1 answer
1. Bureaucratic management style and rigid structures
2. Retrenchments and financial instability
3. Discrimination and selection strategies for previously disadvantaged groups
4. Inadequate qualifications and training for new employees
5. Negative employee morale, increased lateness, illness, complaints, and turnover rate
2.2. Five I-O Psychology specialists that can be applicable for the identified problems are:
1. Organizational Development Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the bureaucratic management style and rigid structures. They would work on creating a more flexible and inclusive organizational culture.
2. Human Resources Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the retrenchments and financial instability. They would work on strategies to improve financial stability, manage employee terminations, and handle the legal and ethical aspects of downsizing.
3. Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the issues related to discrimination and selection strategies for previously disadvantaged groups. They would work on implementing policies and practices that promote equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion within the organization.
4. Training and Development Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the inadequate qualifications and training for new employees. They would work on developing and implementing training programs to ensure that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively.
5. Employee Engagement Specialist: This specialist would be responsible for addressing the negative employee morale, increased lateness, illness, complaints, and turnover rate. They would work on strategies to improve employee engagement, communication, and job satisfaction, as well as addressing any grievances or concerns raised by employees.