Question

Firms have been talking about "the Great Divide" as one of their biggest challenges. Among the following approaches, which would NOT help a business deal with the great divide?

1) Increasing employee training and development programs
2) Implementing effective communication strategies
3) Encouraging collaboration and teamwork
4) Maintaining a hierarchical organizational structure

Answer 1

Maintaining a hierarchical organizational structure 4) would NOT help a business deal with the Great Divide, as it may prevent effective collaboration and communication essential to respond to modern workplace challenges.

Step-by-step explanation:

You asked which approach would NOT help a business deal with "the Great Divide." Of the provided options, maintaining a hierarchical organizational structure would not be helpful. This is because a hierarchical structure can inhibit communication and collaboration, which are essential for managing the challenges of rapidly changing workplace dynamics, diverse teams, and the need for rapid response to changes. Instead, flattening the organizational structure can encourage more direct communication, collaboration, and adaptability.

To address modern challenges, businesses are increasingly relying on team-based approaches and diversity training to improve cooperation and reduce prejudice among employees from different cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, issues like polarization can create divides within an organization, which is precisely why a flexible and inclusive approach is necessary to foster productive work environments.

Globally, businesses are affected by transformations in information and communication technologies, which influence company size and competitive dynamics. Adaptive strategies and a willingness to lower barriers to international trade can also contribute to addressing the effects of the Great Divide.