Production and Operations Functions under the changing Techno-structural Environment
By
Shweta R. Chinchole
September 2nd, 2013
Abstract: Majority of organizations today are restructuring, changing the work design and adapting the employee involvement (engagement) process in the business. However every function in an organization may or may not respond well to these changes. This paper focuses on the effects of Downsizing (effective way of restructuring the organization) and employee empowerment on the production and operation functions in the manufacturing industry. Employee empowerment has a positive impact on Production functions under specific conditions and with more of trust and social relationship between the management and employees. Empowerment is a boon to the manufacturing industry, as the in-depth knowledge of technical employees in operations is well utilized by the management. The Operation functions brings together raw materials with the production process to make products that customers need, here employees form the core, around which these processes revolve. Downsizing creates opportunities to identify, train and develop capable employees to fulfill more responsible roles in production and operation departments. Downsizing, from a company perspective, is a very positive event targeted to make their products better, increase their profit, and streamline operations. In organizations that have restructured, many do not handle the process of downsizing well and can suffer serious long term damage as a result. Skilled employees need to be recognized and retained for dependency on these employees in critical situations. Decision making is a central role of operation managers largely, thus managing continuity of operations is a prime consideration while downsizing or involving employees. On a long run, the cost of training the employees for specific