Final answer:
It is false that the tendency toward organizational flattening has decreased the importance of human resources to individual supervisors. On the contrary, flatter organizational structures and team-based approaches elevate the role of HR in supporting supervisors with the necessary tools and strategies to manage and develop their teams effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the tendency toward organizational flattening has significantly decreased the importance of human resources to the individual supervisor is False. In fact, with the shift away from traditional hierarchical structures toward flatter organizations, the role of human resources becomes more crucial. With supervisors having broader responsibilities in these flattened structures, they need more HR support for activities such as recruitment, performance management, and career development. Smaller supervisory spans of control mean supervisors can no longer manage all HR responsibilities alone.
Moreover, as companies respond to changes with team-based approaches, the importance of HR in facilitating team dynamics, conflict resolution, and aligning team objectives with organizational goals increases. This collaborative environment, where feedback is solicited at all levels, requires strong HR systems to support the sharing of knowledge and skills.
The shift in managerial approaches from Theory X to Theory Y also highlights the increased need for HR involvement. HR plays a critical role in supporting managers to motivate and engage employees in line with the appreciative Theory Y management style.
Finally, outsourcing of positions and the consolidation of industries means that HR must become more involved in strategic planning and ensuring that the organization can efficiently operate with a leaner management structure while maintaining effectiveness in its operations.