The article titled “Why It’s so hard to be fair” is written by Joel Brockner,a professor at
Columbia Business School, the article was published in the Harvard Business Review March 1, 2006. “Why Its so hard to be fair” evaluated the benefits of process fairness despite its uncommon use, it also explained how companies apply it as a performance booster. Professor Brockner aim is to encourage companies to make process fairness the norm.
The article begins by demonstrating the effectiveness of process fairness by reducing cost and increasing employees' performance by stating an example of two downsizing companies. It explains how although “Company A” spent significant amounts of money providing a severance package for its laid off employees, but failed to explain the strategic purpose of why employees were being laid off. While “company B” senior managers did not offer any severance package but explained the strategic purpose of the layoffs multiple times before its implementation and “company B” employee’s performance were better than it had been before the layoffs occurred. The improvements in company B performance stem from the fact that the employees felt respected and involved in decision making. Employees decide if a decision has been made fairly or not. Professor Brockner explains that process fairness, must have three drivers; how much input employees believe they have in the decision making process; how employees believe decisions are made and implemented and how managers behave. Process fairness helps companies to not only have satisfied employees but it also reduces legal costs by cutting down on employee theft and turnover. Fair process encourages organizational change and allows operational managers to carry out a strategy eagerly. This process when applied will increases value, and has a persuasive result in customer relationship. The impact from customers who are involved in the process fairness culture and how customer involvement or sometimes an apology can limit the amount of impact a bad situation could cause.
Nonetheless, if process fairness is so great why doesn't everybody use it? the article discussed the lack of consideration given to “Process Fairness” by most companies. Some managers wrongly believe that actual resources are more beneficial to employees than fair treatment. As well as process fairness benefits can also weaken executives power. Another reason is to avoid awkward situations.
Finally , Professor Brockner compels companies of process fairness such as investing in training, acknowledging the knowledge gap, and making process fairness their greatest importance professor Brockner talked about three steps to do fair process, and executives in a company can realize that it’s not enough for them to be fair, but they must be seen as fair. The author is certain that if process fairness is utilized correctly and adopted by corporate companies, it would lead to advancement in manys companies . Not adapting the authors suggestions can lead to many difficult situations resulting in retaliation by current or former employees.
After reading this article, I feel as though process fairness is a brilliant idea, that will improve many companies overall performance as well as their employees. This article had substantial and sufficient data as well as examples to support the underlying assumptions and conclusions. The article contained evidence that proved, fair process keeps employees pleased and valued as well as satisfied with their company.
I can personally relate with this article with an example of a recent situation of my uncle’s company where process fairness was used but later voided. The company he worked for laid him off after telling employees they were going make cuts, his manager then connected him to a new agency, after a year of working at the new agency he was laid off with no notice or severance package. Due to the many debts and challenges the company had but kept secret. Prior to reading this article, I believed companies were not supposed to show compassion for employees, but this article showed the many benefits, fairness leads to. Process fairness is a compelling management tool for companies to improve the all round performance of their companies.