Era of the Disposable Worker

Running head: ERA OF THE DISPOSABLE WORKER: CASE STUDY – UNIT 1

Unit #1: Case Incident 2 – Era of the Disposable Worker

Kaplan University

MT302: Organizational Behavior

UNIT #1: CASE INCIDENT 2 – ERA OF THE DISPOSABLE WORKER 1

It is no secret that times are tough with the present economy. There are many employees who are working hard and many businesses that are suffering and even filing bankruptcy because they cannot afford to stay open in these difficult times. With all individual business decisions, employers must realize that their organization’s results and its successes are measured by the actions and the overall behavior of their employees. Organizational behavior is a “field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations, for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organization’s effectiveness.” In other words, it is “the study of what people do in an organization and how their behavior affects the organization’s performance,” (Robbins & Judge, 2013). There are many factors that are affecting today’s deterioration of the working environment, the security of jobs, organizational performance, corporate downsizing, temporary job assignments, and employee attitudes and behaviors.

1. To what extent can individual business decisions (as opposed to economic forces) explain deterioration in working conditions for many workers?

There are many business decisions that can affect the deterioration of working conditions for workers. Simple elements such as feedback can diminish the self-worth and value that an employee feels he or she holds in a company. If the only time an employee hears from their managers or administrative staff is when they do something wrong, how can the environment stay positive and inspired? Even if a business is struggling, it is important...