FOCUS QUESTIONS FOR RL WOLFE: IMPLEMENTING SELF_DIRECTED TEAMS

1. What is a self-directed workforce? What are the design features of self-directed workforces?

2. Compare and contrast the new plant to the old plant in terms of work design.

3. Use theories of motivation and other course concepts to explain why Amasi (or anyone) might want to consider a SDWF (how and why might such an approach affect worker motivation, organizational efficiency and effectiveness etc.).

4. What are some potential risks associated with transitioning from a status quo organization to a team-focused organization?

5. If you were in the position of a hiring manager and looking for employees who would excel in self-directed teams, what characteristics would you seek?

6. Identify and rank order the most challenging existing problems (tensions) at the plant and explain how you would address each of them.

7. If you were Amasi, how would you present the benefits of the self-directed team concept to the unionized workforce in the other two Wolfe plants?