(Interview with Prof. Reynaldo Lugtu, Jr, by Sam L. Marcelo, Special Features Writer, BusinessWorld, published July 31, 2006)
The bundy clock is a throwback from an era that primarily used time spent at the desk as a measurement for an employee's productivity. In those days, working always meant going to the "office" - the physical space that ensured interaction between management and the rank-and-file.
Working in the same environment allowed supervisors to swoop in unexpectedly and literally read over someone's shoulder to see if a report was being done correctly. being in the same place also made it easier to instill a sense of belonging and company loyalty, and employees could mingle at the proverbial water dispenser, swap ideas, or indulge in tales from the rumor mill.
While wireless connectivity does not automatically mean that employees will never darken their office's doorstep, it does mean flexible hours and less opportunities for "bonding with coworkers. Technology is spawning a new breed of workers who possess a different set of values and habits. Just as hardware and software have to be upgraded, business must also accomodate the changes in their "peopleware" by revising management strategies
Who is the mobile worker?
Reynaldo Lugtu Jr, professor of management principles and marketing of high-tech products and innovations at De La Salle University Professional Schools Inc Graduate School of Business, said that much of the mobile workforce comprise marketing and sales professionals, consultants, and technical support.
"Mobility is a form of empowerement -- giving workers the resources, both psychological (support, motivation) and physical (mobility tools, PDA's, cellphones, laptops) to make decisions on how to use their skill, time, and other company resources to help the company achieve its goals", said Mr Lugtu.
He described the mobile worker as more adept, since nontechnical job-related skils such as time management and troubleshooting would be required of him.
The mobile worker alo benefits from little direct supervision and so he must be confident of his role within the organization.
"To address the potential feeling of isolation and disconnection among mobile workers, companies should regularly communicate the organization’s purpose, mission, and vision," said Mr Lugtu. He added that a solid identity and a culture of teamwork would instill a sense of responsibility and accountability among employees regardless of their loaction.
Out of sight, out of mind?
Measuring the performance of mobile workers is a straightforward exercise since sales results and customer calls can be used as metrics.
Mr Lugtu cautioned that although mobile worker's productivity is determined by output rather than by his punchcards, this does not mean that managers can rest easy as long as deliverables arrive on time. Simply put, mobility does not render the hours spent at the office irrelevant. " Competition is getting stiffer and tougher...Mobility is supposed to improve and increase productivity," said Mr Lugtu.
For him, optimum use of mobility is illustrated by a salesman who uses regular office hours to make customer calls and slack time (after or before office hours) for connecting to the backoffice or answering email. In other words, wireless connectivity extends the effective working hours of an employee.
The bundy clock is a throwback from an era that primarily used time spent at the desk as a measurement for an employee's productivity. In those days, working always meant going to the "office" - the physical space that ensured interaction between management and the rank-and-file.
Working in the same environment allowed supervisors to swoop in unexpectedly and literally read over someone's shoulder to see if a report was being done correctly. being in the same place also made it easier to instill a sense of belonging and company loyalty, and employees could mingle at the proverbial water dispenser, swap ideas, or indulge in tales from the rumor mill.
While wireless connectivity does not automatically mean that employees will never darken their office's doorstep, it does mean flexible hours and less opportunities for "bonding with coworkers. Technology is spawning a new breed of workers who possess a different set of values and habits. Just as hardware and software have to be upgraded, business must also accomodate the changes in their "peopleware" by revising management strategies
Who is the mobile worker?
Reynaldo Lugtu Jr, professor of management principles and marketing of high-tech products and innovations at De La Salle University Professional Schools Inc Graduate School of Business, said that much of the mobile workforce comprise marketing and sales professionals, consultants, and technical support.
"Mobility is a form of empowerement -- giving workers the resources, both psychological (support, motivation) and physical (mobility tools, PDA's, cellphones, laptops) to make decisions on how to use their skill, time, and other company resources to help the company achieve its goals", said Mr Lugtu.
He described the mobile worker as more adept, since nontechnical job-related skils such as time management and troubleshooting would be required of him.
The mobile worker alo benefits from little direct supervision and so he must be confident of his role within the organization.
"To address the potential feeling of isolation and disconnection among mobile workers, companies should regularly communicate the organization’s purpose, mission, and vision," said Mr Lugtu. He added that a solid identity and a culture of teamwork would instill a sense of responsibility and accountability among employees regardless of their loaction.
Out of sight, out of mind?
Measuring the performance of mobile workers is a straightforward exercise since sales results and customer calls can be used as metrics.
Mr Lugtu cautioned that although mobile worker's productivity is determined by output rather than by his punchcards, this does not mean that managers can rest easy as long as deliverables arrive on time. Simply put, mobility does not render the hours spent at the office irrelevant. " Competition is getting stiffer and tougher...Mobility is supposed to improve and increase productivity," said Mr Lugtu.
For him, optimum use of mobility is illustrated by a salesman who uses regular office hours to make customer calls and slack time (after or before office hours) for connecting to the backoffice or answering email. In other words, wireless connectivity extends the effective working hours of an employee.
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