Behavioral Approaches/Actions for Productivity Improvement - R.A. Sutermeister

The Actions suggested have to form part of Productivity Management

People Productivity Factors and Action to Use Them to Increase Productivity - Model by R.A. Sutermeister

1. Productivity

The need for productivity and ways to increase productivity are to be discussed with employees and unions (participation and efforts to persuade).

2. Technological Development
         Raw Materials
         Job Layout
         Methods

There has to be information exchange and discussion with employees and union about the technological changes and opportunity for the organization to make use of them. Give opportunity for employees and union to make suggestions regarding their adoption.

3. Employees' Job Performance

Discuss with each employee his job performance and help him to improve it.

4. Ability

           5. Knowledge
               Education
               Experience
               Training
               Interest
           6. Skill
           7. Motivation

Select employees after assessment based on their abilities which can be fully utilized in the organization and whose needs can potentially be met under the conditions existing in the firm. In behavioral context, the psychological and social conditions in existing in the firm.


8. Physical Conditions
               Lighting
               Temperature
               Ventilation
               Rest Periods
               Safety
               Music

Decent physical conditions are required for productivity. Suitermeister is present sociology aspect of productivity. He does not give any special focus for physical conditions.


9. Individual Needs - Physiological, Social, Egoistic

Management has to make special effort to discover the real needs of the employees.

                10. On the Job - Off Job Activities
                       Perception of the situation
                       Level of Aspiration
                       Reference Group
                       Male - Female
                       Cultural Background
                       Education
                       Experience
  11, Situation at a Point in Time
                       General Economic Conditions
                       Individual's Personal Situation

Employees' needs change over time due change in environment. Hence discovering needs of employees needs to be done periodically.


             12. Social Conditions
                   13. Formal Organization
                         14. Organization Structure
                         15. Leadership Climate
                         16. Organization Efficiency
                         17, Personnel Policies
                         18. Communication
                         19. Specific Environment of Company or Plant

                   20. Informal Organization (Groups)
                         21. Size
                         22. Cohesiveness
                         23. Groups

                   24. Leaders



                   33. Union



From R.A. Sutermeister,  People and Productivity, McGraw Hill, New York, 1969