| dc.description.abstract | I he primary objective of most of the organizations that are geared towards profit realization is
productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. Achieving these objectives necessitates adaptability
and responsiveness to change. However, in most organizations this adaptability and
responsiveness to change is aimed solely at profit maximization. Consequently, the workers are,
in most cases, never factored into the company’s profit equation and, if they do, then they are
seen as mere appendages or tools, to serve the interest of the company, and be cast aside when
their interests clash with those of the company.
However, of late, there has been a revolution in the way organizations view workers-instead of
being seen as mere tools, they are increasingly viewed as part of the company. This has led to
new management approaches which entail, giving a greater role in an organization’s decision
making structure to the worker and allowing him greater control over work methods, planning
and execution of tasks. The logic is to give him a sense of co-ownership in the company and
thus, hopefully motivate him into having greater interest in his work.
The study is a survey of Muhoroni sugar company to analyze the impact of these new
management approaches on the company’s performance. Mismanagement and fiscal
irresponsibility had led to the company almost collapsing in 2000. As a result a new
management team was brought in to try and revive the company. And one o f their initiative was
to introduce participatory management approaches which involved giving the workers a greater
say in the company’s operations.
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I our years down the line, the study found out that-these new participatory approaches arc
beginning to yield results. A company that had been declared insolvent is now able to produce an
output approximating its maximum capacity and meet its financial obligations to the workers as
well as the cane farmers. Overall, there is a vibrant mood both within the company and in the
surrounding environs that better prospects lie ahead. This study is, therefore, an assessment of
how this turn-round has been brought about. | en_US |
