Discussion Responses Week 5

Initial Post (A. Kitchens)

1. Understanding the Need for Innovation.

Employees should first understand that the company needs to change and adapt in order to keep up with competitors. It is important for employees to understand the need for innovation because it gives them insight into how the company will progress, and how they’ll contribute to that progress. Employees can sometimes be resistant to change but by communicating effectively the need for change can reassure them that the company is moving forward in the right direction.

2. Significant "Noise" factors

The three noise factors that are likely to interfere with the successful launch of the new product line are: temperature changes, humidity and quality. Temperature is vital in the production of furniture especially depending on the furniture material. The higher the temperature is in the manufacturing process the more damaging it may be to the furniture in the end result. Temperature should always remain constant throughout the manufacturing process. Humidity plays another important role in the manufacturing of the product. When humidity is extremely high it can cause furniture to warp and creak. Humidity is another factor that should remain constant throughout the process. Quality, the quality of the materials used in production should be researched before using them in the production of products. Some materials have to be maintained differently than others.

3. Obstacles to the Acceptance of Change

The three most significant obstacles to change that I believe will make the acceptance of the new product line difficult for employees to support would be the lack of training, lack of communication and lack of benefits or growth. When it comes to implementing something new in an organization you have to make sure that your employees are well trained. If something new is implemented and the employees lack training, they will be more resistant to change. Lack of communication goes in hand with lack of training in some ways but no organization can work efficiently without proper communication. When you engage and communicate with employees it is important for ensuring productivity in the workplace. The lack of benefits or growth could cause some employees to get discouraged.

4. An Effective Change Management Technique

The one specific management technique that will pave the way for a successful launch of a new product line would be clear, accurate, and thorough communication with employees. Comunication is key in all relationships, but especially work relationships because many things can get lost in translation. As the manager conducting a meeting communicates the organization’s change in direction is the best way to ensure all employees understand what is taking place and how they will be a part of that change.

5. Possible Decision-making Oversight

The decision-making oversight that the board could introduce in the launch of the new product line would be benefits management. Benefits management is important because it determines how a product will be measured, monitored, managed, and delivered over the course of a project.

Kitch