Introduction:
The case was analyzed to determine the impact of the SDTs on organizational efficiency, proficiency, and overall effectiveness.
Background:
In 2003, John Amasi, the Director of Production and Engineering for RL Wolfe introduced the concept of Self Directed Teams into their newly acquired plastics manufacturing plant in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Problems:
Line workers were treated a lower grade than the maintenance staff.
Lack of incentive for extra work and the lack of empowerment for decision making.
No control over the day to day activities and no team work
Oppotunities:
The key Advantages Self Directed Teams are improved quality, productivity and service, greater flexibility, reduced operating costs, faster response to technological change, better response to workers' values, increased employee commitment to the organization, ability to attract and retain the best people. Recommendations:
The management team needs to relook its commitment to the self-directed approach and commit to the goals and objectives of the SDT concept.
Information by way of feedback from the coordinators and teammates need to be sought to understand the problems with the self-directed teams.
There should be continuous training and development for the various line operators and technicians.
Employee empowerment and motivation
Conclusion:
In my opinion SDTs have proven to be an effective tool for improving productivity and staff moral; there are several areas that need to be assessed at Corpus Christi, prior to the implementation of such a structure at the two other facilities. While productivity has increased at Corpus Christi, there remain some areas that require attention in order to achieve the high objectives set by the RL Wolfe management. The refining process would require time, dedication and full management commitment to SDTs. This refining process usually takes more time than the initial process of setting up such teams.