MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

Question 0

Describe the changes which are likely to be a cause of stress to the staff and worries each might bring?

Answer 0

1. Fear of job losses - new system may replace staff who performed manual processes e.g filing staff
2. Having to learn new skills - older staff stressed looking stupid in front of skilled young staff
3. Fear of change of organisational structure - having to move location, could make journey harder
4. Change to internal procedures - may make staff take on more responsibilities for no extra money

Question 1

What areas will be affected?

Answer 1

1. New skills required
2. Changes to the organisational structure
3. Changes to working patterns
4. Changes to internal procedures
5. Effects on the workforce

Question 2

What could management do to lessen any worries staff have?

Answer 2

1. Appropriate training/retraining
2. Explanation of the advantages - job easier
3. Spell out implications of new system - stop rumours which stress people, allow staff to express worries in meetings
4. Involvement in the development
5. Opportunity to learn new skills - enable staff to improve job prospects

Question 3

Describe the impact ict systems could have upon jobs and work patterns with three examples

Answer 3

1. Teleworking - working from no e using on outer networks saves on transport cost and time
2. Videoconferencing - allows remote meetings
3. Lost jobs - unskilled manual jobs such as filing clerks. Call centres moving abroad for cheaper labour leading to ict ‘sweat shops’
4. New skills required / retraining - acquire skills to use databases, spreadsheets, emails, programming

Question 4

Discuss three possible health issues which could have occurred with the introduction of ICT systems and the actions that an organisation should take to prevent them?

Answer 4

RSI (repetitive strain injury) - ergonomic keyboards/ wrist and foot supports/ correct chair positioning

Eyes train or epileptic fits - non flickering screens/ screen filters to remove flare / correct lightening in the room/ take regular breaks from looking at the screen

Back problems - adjustable chairs, foot supports / tilting screens / take regular breaks and walk around room

Stress from having to learn the system - better training