Mei Shen and Jack Compton are employed at the Waterside Company, a small life insurance firm. Both Mei and Jack have been with the business for more than 10 years but are now quite upset by recent events. The office manager announced yesterday that all employees must attend several all-day training sessions on two coming changes. A new computer system is replacing the old one, and jobs are being restructured to improve processes that will lead to greater efficiency and productivity.
1. Describe what mistake the Waterside Company management made in replacing the computer system.
2. In what ways could Mei make the company regret not involving the employees in the decision? Explain.
3. If the new computer system is to be successful, will it be because of restructuring the work, installing a new computer system, or both? Explain your answer.
4. If the new changes are successful, how will the salespeople and customers benefit?