Tuesday, April 2, 2013

A633.2.3.RB_Butterfly Effect_Reece_Wathen_Sandra



A633.2.3.RB_Butterfly Effect
 
Based on this week's reading, reflect on complexity science and theory in organizations and the butterfly effect (p.58).  Small changes over time gain a big effect…
 
Identify 2 examples where “small changes yield large results” in your organization.
 
There are many areas in my organization in which a few slight changes could be implemented that would produce large results.  Based on this weeks' readings, this could be seen as what is  called “the Butterfly Effect”. 
 
To explain this effect a little further before providing my two examples of how I think it could be applied and benefited to my organization.  The "Butterfly Affect" basically is a theory and logical equations that originated back in 1972, and when graphed resemble a butterfly.  These equations represent the affects of small change on producing large results and basically is the result of the effort you put in to something; sometimes called "catalytic mechanisms".
 
So let's take a look at how I think some simple changes to my organization can yield large results. First, I must tell you that I am a type "A" personality and a people person.  So, some of my priorities of change are those that affect the workforce.
 
There are several policies and practices in our company that hinder creativity, innovation, and empowerment to the employees.  In addition, there is lack of special programs and corporate culture that impedes employee professional growth.  In essence, morale is low and productivity is adversely affected.  Unfortunately, leadership is naive to this rapidly developing deficiency in their corporate approach, as well as, trapped in the traditional style of leadership where power is dominance.
 
A good example of this is if the company would change their practices to include a shadowing/mentoring program for the entry and junior level workforce it would be a win/win situation.  On numerous occasion I have tried to encourage leadership to adopt such a program and explained the benefits.   I have even recently volunteered to take the program on for the whole company as I can clearly see the great extent of the benefits for the small investment of time.
 
It seems that leadership is so focused on new business and capturing new contracts; caught in a paradigm and they have neglected the workforce; more so the lower level employees that need nurturing.  I have noticed that the lower level employees are not happy, seem frustrated, and do not see a very bright future from a professional growth perspective.
 
It is a very simple change that would create an environment for career growth and the ability of this individuals to have hands on mentorship with those that are more seasoned employees.  It would also give them incentive to follow in the steps of the role models. 
 
The investment is less monetary and more of just time.  It is a small change that over time will create an environment for learning, a feeling of self-worth, and increased productivity, as well as developing the youth for future responsibilities in which the company will be able to benefit from.  It also would instill a change in the perceived negative corporate culture and provide the company with a more diverse workforce from which to build a more effective organizational framework - allowing the people to evolve.
 
Another example is that rather than our company becoming more decentralized and empowerment to the people, it is going in the opposite direction.   In fact, those in leadership positions have started having closed door policy and clear hierarchy in their reporting requirements.   It is creating a very stifled environment,  loss of innovation and ideas, socially confined and limited team interaction.  If the CEO could take a different approach with the corporate vision and refocus the organization to allow for the workforce to have more freedom in their daily work and fear of operating in a hierarchy structure.  Leadership should shift its focus on empowering their people to be innovative, creative and foster an environment that instills productivity. 
 
This investment is also less monetary and more of changing corporate strategies.  It is a simple change that over time will provide such an integrated approach horizontally across the organization and provide long-term benefits to the organization and the people.  Another win/win solution that is simple to institute.
 

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