The need for management to be culturally sensitive has been identified by numerous researchers. A value system is defined as an enduring organisation of beliefs concerning preferable modes of conduct. Values are intimately connected with moral and ethical codes and determine what people think ought to be done. Values have been said to form the core of culture.
The case of particular interest in this research is the adoption of production teams to replace mass production lines. Worker participation is not encouraged in the mass production approach, whereas production teams are grounded on collective decision making and co-operative work. The implication is that a significant change in culture is required. This research was conducted in order to evaluate the importance of the values of management and the workers on the adoption of production teams and the implication on the performance of the company.
This research involves Filipino garment companies that have adopted production teams in their plants. The Philippine setting was chosen for the following reasons:
· The Philippines is a unique mingling of Western and Eastern influences.
· Senior managers are usually good at taking on the management practices of their US parent companies, but there are inherent difficulties of passing these practices on to workers.
· Philippine society sets a high value on collectivism.
It is concluded that an appreciation and understanding of these issues will enhance the effectiveness of implementing a change in organisational culture. Also, an evaluation of the effects of the workers set of values can lead to improved human resource programs that will ease the adoption of new organisational practices and new technologies.
By: Dr. Eppie V. Estanislao-Clark De La Salle University, Philippines and Dr. David T. Tyler Manches
Submit Date: 6/14/2010 18:00