Knowledge that Transforms

Managers can analyze the true cost of their labor turnover with the help of these six formulas, and thereby rationally compute trade‐off solutions between programs designed to reduce labor turnover and the true cost of labor turnover.

Modern discipline is not punishment, but a shaper of behavior; it requires rules to be reviewed periodically against objectives to see if they are still productive in changing conditions and it allows the exceptional performer who is achieving exceptional results to be treated with far greater tolerance when it comes to violations.

Except for the slave‐owning areas of the south, no country has been as work‐oriented as the United States. The American of all classes was expected to be “good with his hands.” But we shouldn't forget that work subcultures have their own mystique, they aren't “natural,” and one becomes a participating member through a process of enculturation which may be as difficult as the process of becoming Americanized is difficult for some immigrants.

To make a pay system a source of reinforcement for contribution and give people an opportunity to participate in a reward program each year without the stigma of becoming “too expensive,” firms might consider making less than 100% of the total amount increase distributed to an individual a permanent part of his base salary. A part of the raise could be in effect for, say, a year.

It's just possible that a businessman's role in the year 2000 will erode seriously due to little involvement in the growing “leisure values” of an affluent culture and failure to contribute directly to the needs of what will be a strongly post‐industrial society. But if we want to train managers who are able to meet the needs and interests of the wider community, how do we prepare them for something as conceptual as “social responsibility”? Is it enough to superimpose on the business curriculum some courses in the social, political or technical‐environmental forces affecting the individual and his firm, i.e. make the student study more and longer before he becomes an operative “professional”?

Managers are confused by the many theories they read about proper management. They need someone to put together the results of this fragmented research into some usable knowledge. Who should do this if not the personnel specialist?

Feeling powerless is a major cause of tension in organizations. This paper looks at five techniques that facilitate the effective use of power — in both managers and subordinates.

The guaranteed annual wage is not in itself a source of motivation, but is more what Herzberg would call a maintenance factor, something that will dissatisfy if removed. The authors conclude that National Sugar has been unable to reap any lasting benefits since the guarantee has been taken for granted by its employees.

It's a big step to move to 24‐hour, 7‐day operations by adopting a 4‐day/3‐day week. This is how the move was decided on, planned, and put to work—and how it worked in its first three months.