Question

Armand runs a small company, and although he is generally happy with his staff, he would like to see them increase their productivity and develop a greater long-term sense of personal identification with the company. The best way for him to achieve that is to

a. establish a hierarchical environment, tell employees they have to improve, and emphasize the fact that he is boss.
b. create a structured environment and focus on teaching employees that improved skills will help them keep their jobs.
c. maintain a friendly environment, help them improve their work skills, and make sure they always remember who is boss.
d. work on making the office a fun place, take less of a direct approach to job skills, and make sure employees know that he cares.
e. construct an open environment, dedicate himself to helping his employees achieve their goals, and take the emphasis off hierarchy.

Answer 1

Armand should construct an open environment, help his employees reach their goals, and reduce emphasis on hierarchy to increase productivity and company identification. Adapting leadership to individual employee needs and investing in human capital through continuous development are key strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

To enhance employee productivity and foster long-term identification with his company, Armand should aim to construct an open environment, focus on helping his employees reach their personal and professional goals, and reduce the emphasis on hierarchical structures within the company. This approach aligns with modern organizational trends that value teamwork and encourage input across all levels of the company, recognizing that a flat organizational structure can be more conducive to collaboration and innovation compared to traditional rigid hierarchies.

Armand should ensure his leadership style is adaptive to the needs of his employees. Those who are more autonomous may need a different kind of support compared to those who perform best with clear structure and defined roles. Recognizing and respecting these differences can improve the quality of leader-follower relationships.

Moreover, by investing in human capital through continuous training and development, Armand can help his staff to not only perform better in their current roles but also prepare them for future growth. This investment echoes the sentiment that businesses must adapt from the Industrial Revolution era of management to a more modern, flexible, and growth-oriented mindset.