$2.$ Designing High$-$Performance Work Systems

Identify the relevant step of implementing high$-$performance work systems associated with each of the following examples.

Example

High$-$Performance Implementation Step

MacMillan Bloedel formed a joint operations committee of senior management and labor representatives to routinely discuss a wide range of operational issues related to high$-$performance work systems.

Solectron Corporation, a winner of the Baldrige National Quality Award, tried to implement high$-$performance work systems. However, many managers resisted the change because they were not included in discussions about the operational and financial aspects of the business.

When Honeywell switched to high$-$performance work systems in its plant in Chandler, Arizona, employees attended training programs and participated in the redesign of their jobs while the plant was shut down to be reequipped with new technology.

Use your knowledge of high$-$performance work systems to answer the following question.

You are the HR consultant for a firm with a high$-$performance work system. Because it is in a high$-$turnover industry, the firm wants to better match its HR practices with its workforce to retain its lower$-$wage workers. Unfortunately, the firm cannot afford incentive pay or profit sharing. What is your best recommendation?

Institute cost of living adjustments.

Offer employees flexibility and other work$-$life benefits.

Use an open pay plan.

Tie executive pay to corporate social responsibility.