Agile Methodologies in Human Resource Management
Agile Methodologies in Human Resource Management
Human Resource
Management
AGILE IN HUMAN
RESOURCES
Overview of Agile Principles and Values for HR
Performance
Annual reviews Continuous feedback
Management
Hierarchical and Collaborative and
Decision-Making
centralized decentralized
Change
Reactive Proactive and adaptive
Management
Standardized, slow Dynamic, flexible, and
Recruitment
processes iterative processes
Introduction to Agile Frameworks Relevant to HR
Functions
1.Scrum
1. Use in HR: Recruitment campaigns, training programs, or project-based initiatives can be
managed through sprints.
2. Key Practices: Daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
2.Kanban
1. Use in HR: Visualizing workflows for tasks like hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations.
2. Key Practices: Limit work in progress, visualize tasks on a board.
3.Lean
1. Use in HR: Eliminate waste in processes like candidate selection or policy development.
2. Key Practices: Value stream mapping, continuous improvement.
4.Design Thinking
1. Use in HR: Enhancing employee experiences, such as crafting user-centric onboarding journeys.
2. Key Practices: Empathy mapping, prototyping, iterative feedback.
5.OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
1. Use in HR: Setting and aligning goals across teams and departments.
2. Key Practices: Quarterly goal setting, regular reviews.
AGILE FRAMEWORKS
FOR HR
Scrum
•Sprint Planning:
Define what HR initiatives (e.g., filling open positions or launching a wellness
program) will be completed during a sprint.
•Daily Standups:
Short, daily meetings where the HR team discusses progress, challenges, and next
steps for ongoing tasks.
•Sprint Review:
Present completed HR deliverables (e.g., a new onboarding plan) to stakeholders
for feedback.
•Sprint Retrospective:
Reflect on what went well, what could improve, and actions for the next sprint,
focusing on improving HR processes.
Scrum Artifacts in HR
• Product Backlog:
A prioritized list of HR tasks, such as filling open roles,
launching training programs, or improving employee
engagement.
• Sprint Backlog:
A subset of the product backlog selected for the current
sprint.
• Increment:
The completed HR output at the end of the sprint (e.g., a
revised benefits policy or a new feedback mechanism).
Understanding Kanban and Optimizing HR Workflow
Management
• Core Principles of Kanban
• Visualize Work:
Use a Kanban board with columns representing different
workflow stages (e.g., "To Do," "In Progress,"
"Completed").
• Limit Work in Progress (WIP):
Set limits to avoid overburdening team members and
ensure smooth task flow.
• Focus on Flow:
Monitor the flow of tasks to identify bottlenecks and
improve efficiency.
Understanding Kanban and Optimizing HR Workflow
Management
• Applications in HR
• Recruitment Pipeline:
Columns could represent stages like "Sourcing,"
"Screening," "Interviewing," and "Offer Extended."
• Onboarding Workflow:
Use Kanban boards to track the onboarding process for
new hires, such as "Document Submission," "Training
Scheduled," and "First Week Completed."
• Employee Feedback Cycle:
Visualize progress for collecting, analyzing, and acting on
feedback.
Applying Lean Principles to HR
• Value Identification:
Focus on activities that deliver value to employees and
the organization, such as streamlined onboarding or
career development.
• Eliminate Waste:
Identify and remove inefficiencies, such as redundant
approval processes or excessive paperwork.
• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen):
Encourage small, ongoing improvements in HR
processes.
Lean Practices in HR
Five reasons:
1. Used for pay, promotion, and retention
decisions
2. Links performance management to
company goals
3. The manager can correct deficiencies
and reinforce strengths
4. With appraisals employee’s can review
career plans
5. Training needs are identified
1. Goals
2. Job dimensions or
Traits
3. Behaviors or
Competencies
1. Peer Appraisals
2. Rating Committees
3. Self Ratings
4. Appraisal by
Subordinates
5. 360-Degree
Feedback
6. Narrative Forms
7. Behavior Anchored
Rating Scale
8. Mixed Standards Scales
9. Management by
Objectives (MBO)
Copyright © 2017 Pearson Education, Ltd. 9-27
Computerized and Web-Based
Performance Appraisal
• Conversation
Days
• Appraisal in
Practice
• Prepare
• Plan
• Measure Success
• Date to Complete
• Coach
o Objective data
o Don’t get personal
o Encouragement
o Agreement
• Recognize behavior
• Never Attack defenses
• Postpone Action
• Recognize Limitations
• Why It Happens:
• When performance appraisals are focused solely on
deficiencies, employees may feel undervalued and
demoralized.
• If the process feels punitive or lacks constructive
feedback, it can lead to disengagement.
• The perception that performance ratings are tied to
factors beyond their control, such as external conditions
or ambiguous goals, can further undermine morale.
Performance Appraisals Demotivate Employees
• Solutions:
• Focus on Constructive Feedback and Development: Shift
the conversation from purely evaluative to developmental.
Highlight achievements, identify areas for growth, and co-create
action plans for skill-building and career progression.
• Regular, Ongoing Feedback: Move away from annual or
biannual appraisals to continuous feedback and check-ins. This
keeps communication open, issues addressed in real-time, and
motivation sustained.
• Recognize Contributions: Offer recognition and rewards to
employees based on genuine accomplishments, making them
feel appreciated and engaged.
Performance Appraisals Demotivate Employees
Objectivity of Scores
• Why It Happens:
• Subjectivity in evaluating performance leads to biases and
skewed scores, as evaluations are influenced by personal
perceptions, emotions, or implicit biases of the manager.
• Raters may unintentionally fall into common biases, such as
the halo effect (overrating an individual based on one
outstanding trait) or recency bias (focusing only on recent
performance).
Objectivity of Scores
• Solutions:
• Use Clear, Measurable Metrics: Establish specific, measurable,
and objective criteria for evaluation. Quantitative data (e.g., sales
achieved, projects completed) should complement qualitative
assessments (e.g., teamwork, leadership).
• Calibrated Rating Systems: Train managers on using
standardized rating scales and ensure consistency by conducting
calibration meetings to compare and align scores across teams.
• Multi-Rater Feedback Systems (360-Degree Feedback):
Gathering input from multiple sources—such as peers,
subordinates, and customers—provides a more balanced and
objective view.
Objectivity of Scores
Favoritism
• Why It Happens:
• Favoritism occurs when managers exhibit biased preferences
toward certain employees, often due to personal rapport,
similarity, or other non-performance-related reasons.
• This can lead to unfair evaluations, rewards, and promotional
opportunities, eroding trust and morale among other team
members.
Favoritism
• Why It Happens:
• Different managers may have varying expectations,
evaluation standards, and biases when assessing employee
performance.
• This can lead to unfair treatment of employees who work
under different managers within the same organization,
creating dissatisfaction and a perception of inequity.
Inconsistency Between Different Managers
• Solutions:
• Manager Training: Train managers on standardized
appraisal methods and how to apply them consistently.
Emphasize the importance of fairness and objectivity.
• Standardized Evaluation Tools: Use consistent tools,
rating scales, and templates across departments to ensure
uniformity in evaluations.
• Cross-Department Calibration Sessions: Conduct
regular calibration sessions where managers compare and
align their performance ratings and evaluations with their
peers.
Inconsistency Between Different Departments
• Why It Happens:
• Variability in departmental goals, roles, and cultures can lead
to inconsistencies in how performance is measured,
evaluated, and rewarded.
• This may lead to feelings of unfair treatment if employees
perceive that their colleagues in other departments are being
evaluated differently or more leniently.
Inconsistency Between Different Departments
• Solutions:
• Organizational Alignment of Goals: Align departmental
objectives with the organization’s overall goals, ensuring that
performance criteria reflect the company's core priorities.
• Centralized Policies and Frameworks: Develop a unified
performance management framework that can be tailored for
different functions but maintains consistent standards and
expectations.
• HR Monitoring: Ensure HR is actively monitoring for
inconsistencies between departments and intervening when
necessary to create parity.
Clarifying Performance Expectations
• Why It Matters:
• Ambiguous or unclear expectations can lead to confusion,
stress, and unmet performance standards. Employees may
not fully understand what is expected of them or how their
performance will be measured.
Clarifying Performance Expectations
• Solutions:
• SMART Goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant, and Time-bound goals that clearly communicate
what is expected from employees.
• Regular Communication: Maintain open lines of
communication between managers and employees to clarify
expectations, provide updates, and answer questions as they
arise.
• Job Descriptions and KPIs: Ensure job descriptions and
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are up-to-date and
reflect current expectations and responsibilities.
Clarifying Performance Expectations
Using Agile KPIs for Performance Measurement
• Time-to-Competency
• Tracks how quickly employees reach a level of
productivity or expertise.
• Calculation: Time from onboarding start to achieving
key milestones.
• Cycle Time for HR Processes
• Tracks the time taken to complete specific HR tasks like
recruitment or onboarding.
• Helps identify bottlenecks and streamline workflows.
Using Agile KPIs for Performance Measurement
•Turnover Rate
•Monitors voluntary and involuntary employee turnover rates to assess
retention.
•Agile Perspective: Use data to iterate on strategies for improving
retention.
•Continuous Feedback Metrics
•Measures how often feedback is given and its impact on performance
improvements.
•Encourages a culture of iterative development for employees.
Employee Goal-Setting with Agile Objectives
and Key Results (OKRs)
• Objectives:
• Broad, qualitative goals that provide direction and
inspiration.
• Example: "Improve employee satisfaction across the
organization."
• Key Results:
• Specific, quantitative metrics that define success for each
objective.
• Example: "Increase employee engagement scores by 15%
within two quarters."
Steps to Implement OKRs for Employee Goal-Setting:
• Trello
• A simple, visual project management tool based on
Kanban boards.
• Key Features:
• Drag-and-drop interface for task management.
• Boards, lists, and cards for organizing tasks.
• Integrations with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft
Teams.
• Best For:
• Visualizing workflows for tasks like onboarding or recruitment.
• Tracking progress on employee training programs.
Trello
Overview Of Popular Agile Tools
• Jira
• A robust tool designed for Agile teams, originally for software
development but widely adopted for other uses, including HR.
• Key Features:
• Scrum and Kanban boards for iterative task management.
• Customizable workflows to match HR processes.
• Advanced reporting and analytics for tracking progress.
• Best For:
• Managing complex HR projects like company-wide performance
evaluations.
• Detailed tracking of recruitment pipelines or compliance tasks.
JIRA
Asana
•Workflow Complexity
•Simple Workflows: Use Trello or Asana for straightforward tasks like onboarding or
recruitment.
•Complex Processes: Opt for Jira or Monday.com for highly detailed HR functions like
compliance audits or large-scale projects.
•Team Size
•Small Teams: Trello and Slack are cost-effective and easy to implement.
•Large Organizations: BambooHR, Jira, or Monday.com provide scalability and advanced
features.
•Integration Needs
•Check for compatibility with existing systems like payroll, communication platforms, or
document storage (e.g., integration with Slack, Google Drive, or Office 365).
•Customization Requirements
•If HR processes need tailored workflows, tools like ClickUp or Monday.com provide extensive
customization.
Choosing the Right Tool for HR Processes
•Budget Constraints
•Trello (free tier available) and Slack are affordable options
for smaller teams.
•Tools like Jira and BambooHR may require larger budgets but
offer robust features.
•Focus Areas
•Recruitment: Asana or Trello for tracking candidates.
•Onboarding: Monday.com for structured task management.
•Performance Management: BambooHR or ClickUp for
continuous feedback and performance tracking.
Summary
Job Analysis and the
Talent Management
Process
The Talent Management
Process
• Work activities
• Human behaviors
• Machines, tools, equipment,
and work aids
• Performance standards
• Job context
• Human requirements
• EEO compliance
• Performance
appraisal
• Compensation
• Training
Copyright © 2017 Pearson Education, Ltd. 4-111
Conducting a Job
Analysis
1. How will information be used?
2. Background information
3. Representative positions
4. Collect and analyze data
5. Verify
6. Job description and specification
1. Interviews
2. Quantitative
“position analysis”
questionnaire
3. Additional Things to
keep in mind
1. Typical Questions
2. Structure Interviews
3. Pros and Cons
4. Interviewing Guidelines
• Job identification
• Job summary
• Responsibilities and duties
• Authority of incumbent
• Standards of performance
• Working conditions
• Job specifications
• Predictor
• Criterion
• Five Step Procedure
Employee Compensation
1. Direct
2. Indirect
Type of Equity
1. External
2. Internal
3. Individual
4. Procedural
• Seniority-based
• Performance
• Other pay policies
• Geography
Compensating Expatriate
Employees
• Market-Base
• Job Evaluation
Developing a Workable
Pay Plan
1. Job Complexity
2. The Employer’s Ability to Pay
3. The Executive’s Human Capital
1. Base Pay
2. Short-term Incentives
3. Long-term incentives
4. Executive Benefits and Perks
Developing a Workable
Pay Plan
1. Defines Skills
2. Choose Method
3. Training system
4. Formal Testing
5. Design Work
171
Types of Employee Grievances:
172
Types of Employee Grievances:
174
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
175
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
• Policy Development:
• Clearly define the purpose of the grievance procedure, emphasizing its
commitment to addressing employee concerns promptly and
impartially.
• Specify the types of issues that can be raised through the grievance
procedure, such as harassment, discrimination, working conditions, or
disputes with supervisors.
• Ensure the grievance procedure aligns with applicable employment
laws and regulations.
176
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
177
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
• Informal Resolution:
• Encourage employees to resolve grievances informally whenever
possible, such as discussing concerns with their immediate supervisor or
manager.
• Offer informal mediation or facilitation services to help parties resolve
issues amicably.
• Formal Grievance Process:
• Outline the steps of the formal grievance process, including how to
submit a written grievance and the timeframe for doing so.
• Specify who will handle the grievance (e.g., HR representative or
designated grievance officer) and how they will remain impartial
throughout the process.
178
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
• Investigation Process:
• Define the investigation process, which may include gathering relevant
evidence, interviewing involved parties and witnesses, and reviewing any
related documents.
• Guarantee confidentiality to the extent possible during the investigation
to protect the privacy of all parties involved.
• Timely Response:
• Establish specific timelines for each step of the grievance
procedure to ensure that grievances are addressed promptly.
• Communicate the expected response time to the employee who
raised the grievance.
179
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
180
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
• Appeal Process:
• Include an appeals process for employees who are dissatisfied with the
outcome of the initial grievance resolution.
• Specify the grounds for an appeal and the steps for filing an appeal.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping:
• Maintain detailed records of all grievance-related communication,
investigations, and outcomes for compliance and future reference.
181
Designing Employee Grievance Procedures
• Continuous Improvement:
• Regularly review and assess the effectiveness of the grievance
procedure.
• Solicit feedback from employees on their experience with the grievance
process and make necessary improvements based on the feedback
received.
• Training and Awareness:
• Conduct training for employees and managers on the grievance
procedure and its importance.
• Ensure that employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities in
utilizing the grievance procedure.
182
Implementing Employee Grievance Procedures
183
Implementing Employee Grievance Procedures
• Maintain Confidentiality:
• Emphasize the importance of confidentiality during the grievance
process to protect the privacy of all parties involved.
• Ensure that information related to grievances is shared only with those
directly involved in the resolution process.
• Implement a Timely Response System:
• Set clear timelines for each step of the grievance procedure to ensure
prompt handling of grievances.
• Monitor the progress of each grievance to ensure it is being addressed
within the established timeframes.
186
Implementing Employee Grievance Procedures
187
Implementing Employee Grievance Procedures
188
Implementing Employee Grievance Procedures
189
Underperformance Issues
190
Common Causes of Underperformance:
191
Common Causes of Underperformance:
192
Addressing Underperformance Issues
• Active Listening:
• Allow the employee to express their perspective on the situation. Practice
active listening and show empathy to understand any challenges or
barriers they may be facing.
• Explore Root Causes:
• Investigate the potential reasons for the underperformance. Determine
whether the issue is due to skill gaps, lack of resources, unclear
expectations, or personal factors.
• Set Clear Expectations:
• Clearly communicate the performance expectations and standards that
the employee should meet. Be specific about the desired outcomes and
the timeline for improvement. 194
Addressing Underperformance Issues
• Document Everything:
• Document all discussions, agreements, and actions taken related to
addressing the underperformance. Keep a record of performance
improvement plans, feedback, and any support provided.
• Reinforce Positive Changes:
• Recognize and acknowledge any improvements made by the employee.
Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue making progress.
• Consequences for Lack of Improvement:
• Clearly communicate the potential consequences if the employee does
not show improvement within the specified timeframe. Be fair and
consistent with any consequences implemented.
196
Addressing Underperformance Issues
• Maslow's theory posits that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, starting from basic physiological
needs to self- actualization.
• Understanding that employees are motivated by different needs at different times can help leaders create an
environment that meets those needs (e.g., providing safety, recognition, and opportunities for growth).
• Herzberg identified two categories of factors affecting job satisfaction: hygiene factors (e.g., salary, work
conditions) and motivators (e.g., achievement, recognition).
• Leaders should ensure hygiene factors are adequately addressed to prevent dissatisfaction, while also
focusing on motivators to enhance employee engagement and performance.
Misconduct
206
Common Types of Misconduct
207
Common Types of Misconduct
• Stress and Burnout: High levels of stress and burnout can lead
to decreased motivation and engagement, which may result in
employees resorting to misconduct as a way to cope with their
work-related challenges.
• Lack of Employee Satisfaction: Dissatisfied employees may
engage in misconduct as a form of retaliation or to express their
frustration with their work conditions.
210
Causes of Misconducts
212
Addressing Misconduct Issues
213
Addressing Misconduct Issues
• Investigate Thoroughly:
• Initiate a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged
misconduct. Gather relevant evidence, interview witnesses, and
maintain confidentiality during the process.
• Review Policies and Codes of Conduct:
• Ensure that the organization's policies and codes of conduct are clear,
comprehensive, and easily accessible to all employees.
• Act Promptly:
• Address the misconduct issue as soon as it comes to light to prevent
escalation and demonstrate the organization's commitment to
addressing such matters seriously.
214
Addressing Misconduct Issues
• Maintain Confidentiality:
• Respect the privacy of all parties involved in the investigation and avoid
sharing sensitive information with individuals not directly involved in the
process.
• Offer Support:
• Provide support and resources to those affected by the misconduct, such
as counseling, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), or additional
training on workplace conduct.
• Conduct Disciplinary Meetings:
• If the investigation confirms the misconduct, hold disciplinary meetings
with the employees involved. Provide them with an opportunity to share
their side of the story. 215
Addressing Misconduct Issues
• Progressive Discipline:
• Consider progressive discipline, starting with verbal warnings and
escalating to more severe consequences if necessary.
• Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs):
• For certain misconduct issues, consider implementing a Performance
Improvement Plan with specific expectations and timelines for
improvement.
• Document Everything:
• Maintain detailed records of the investigation, meetings, decisions, and
any actions taken during the process.
216
Addressing Misconduct Issues
• Educate Employees:
• Conduct regular training on workplace conduct, ethics, and anti-
discrimination to prevent misconduct and promote a respectful
workplace.
• Promote Reporting Channels:
• Encourage employees to report misconduct without fear of retaliation
and provide multiple reporting options.
• Address Underlying Issues:
• Identify and address any underlying issues that may have contributed
to the misconduct, such as workplace culture or management
practices.
217
Addressing Misconduct Issues
218
Importance Of Addressing Misconducts
220
Importance Of Addressing Misconducts
223
Organizational Change
224
What Causes Organizational Change?
227
Steps In The Change Management Process
• Prepare Approach
• Manage Change
• Sustain Outcomes
230
Prepare Approach
The activities in this phase involve developing plans and actions that help move
individuals The three stages in Phase 2 – Manage Change include:
• Plan and Act – Practitioners establish how to best prepare, equip and support
people who will be impacted by the change, with activities like developing an
ADKAR Blueprint and producing change management plans such as a Sponsor
Plan and Communications Plan
• Track Performance – This stage focuses on how to track and sustain progress in
the change management efforts, using activities that include establishing a
tracking calendar and identifying performance strengths and opportunities
• Adapt Actions – Based on what practitioners have learned so far, particularly in
the previous stage, they spend important time adjusting their change
management strategy with activities such as preparing adaptive actions and
continuing to track performance
232
Sustain Outcomes
The third and final phase establishes the approach for ensuring that the change is
adopted and the organisation is committed to doing what’s needed to sustain the
change. The three stages in Phase 3 – Sustain Outcomes include:
• Review Performance – Following project go-live, practitioners reflect on
performance to confirm desired results, with activities such as reviewing ADKAR
outcomes and documenting lessons learned
• Activate Sustainment – Here, practitioners focus on implementing actions to
sustain change outcomes, engaging in activities like identifying gaps and
activating relevant sustainment roles
• Transfer Ownership – In this final stage of the Prosci 3-Phase Process,
practitioners establish how to carry sustainment efforts forward, with important
activities that include transferring knowledge and assets, as well as celebrating
change management successes
233
The Three Phases of Change
234
Change Management And Change Control
236
Change Management And Change Control
237
Change Management Strategies
• 2.4.1 Importance of Change Management:
• Effective change management can minimize disruption, enhance employee buy-in, and
ensure that strategic goals are achieved during periods of transition. In the oil and gas
industry, factors such as fluctuating oil prices, regulatory changes, and technological
advancements necessitate robust change management practices.
• Various models can guide organizations through change. Two prominent models include:
• Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model: This model emphasizes the importance of creating a
sense of urgency, forming a guiding coalition, developing a vision and strategy,
communicating the vision, empowering employees, generating short-term wins,
consolidating gains, and anchoring new approaches in the culture.
• ADKAR Model: This model focuses on five key elements: Awareness, Desire,
Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. It emphasizes individual change and how
employees can be effectively guided through transitions.
Strategies for Managing Change
242
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Collaboration:
• Collaboration involves working together to find a solution that satisfies
the needs and interests of all parties involved. It requires active
listening, brainstorming ideas, and a willingness to consider different
perspectives.
• Benefits: Collaboration builds trust, strengthens relationships, and
often leads to innovative solutions that address the root causes of the
conflict.
• Example: In a team conflict over project responsibilities, team
members collaborate to identify each person's strengths and distribute
tasks accordingly, ensuring that everyone feels valued and capable.
243
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Compromise:
• Compromise involves finding a middle ground where both
parties make concessions to reach a mutually acceptable
solution. It requires each party to give up something to gain
something in return.
• Benefits: Compromise allows for a timely resolution of conflicts
and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
• Example: In a conflict between two colleagues about the
allocation of office space, they agree to share the space by
rotating between different workstations every month.
244
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Win-Win Approach:
• The win-win approach seeks solutions that benefit all parties
involved. It focuses on creating outcomes where everyone
gains something rather than one party winning at the expense
of the other.
• Benefits: The win-win approach promotes cooperation, fosters
positive relationships, and enhances long-term collaboration.
• Example: In a negotiation between two business partners over
profit-sharing, they agree to a fair distribution that allows both
parties to benefit from the company's success.
245
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Problem-Solving:
• The problem-solving approach focuses on identifying the
underlying issues and working collaboratively to find specific and
actionable solutions.
• Benefits: Problem-solving leads to practical solutions that address
the root causes of the conflict, reducing the likelihood of recurring
disputes.
• Example: In a team conflict related to meeting deadlines, team
members hold a problem-solving session to identify time
management challenges and implement new strategies to improve
efficiency. 246
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Communication Improvement:
• Conflict resolution can involve focusing on improving
communication between parties, such as using clear and
assertive communication techniques.
• Benefits: Improved communication reduces misunderstandings
and prevents conflicts from escalating.
• Example: In a conflict between coworkers due to
miscommunication over project timelines, they agree to provide
regular status updates and use clear language to avoid further
misunderstandings.
247
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Avoidance:
• Avoidance entails temporarily stepping back from a conflict to
allow emotions to cool down and prevent further escalation.
• Benefits: In certain situations, avoidance can prevent conflicts
from escalating and allow parties to approach the issue with a
calmer perspective.
• Example: In a heated discussion between two team members,
they agree to take a break and revisit the topic later when
emotions have subsided.
248
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Assertiveness Training:
• Assertiveness training helps individuals develop effective
communication skills to express their needs, opinions, and
boundaries clearly.
• Benefits: Being assertive can prevent conflicts from arising by
addressing issues proactively and respectfully.
• Example: In a conflict between a manager and an employee,
assertiveness training helps the employee express their
concerns and needs directly to the manager.
249
Approaches for Effective Conflict Resolution
• Pay-for Performance
• Variable Pay
• Profit Sharing
• Piecework plans
o Straight
piecework
o Standard hour
plans
o Pros and Cons
• Merit pay as an
incentive
o Differential pay
increases
o Merit pay
options
• Social Recognition
• Performance
Feedback
1. Salary plan
2. Commission plan
3. Combination plan
• Short-term Incentives
• Long-term incentives
• Profit-sharing plans
• Scanlon plans
• Other Gainsharing Plans
• At-Risk Pay Plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plans
• Cost Reduction
• Sick “banks”
• Dismissal
• Reduce Litigation
• Downsizing
o Determining benefits
o Controlling costs
o Coverage
HMO
PPO
o Mental Health
Benefits
• Wellness programs
• Other cost-control options
Consumer-driven Health Plans (CDHP)
Defined Contribution
Accountable Care Organization (ACO)
Cost-Containment Specialist
• Long-term care
• Life insurance
• Benefits for part-
time and contingent
workers
• Retirement Benefits
• Survivor’s Benefits
• Death Benefit
• Disability
• Medicare
• Credit Unions
• Legal Services
• Counseling
• Social and
Recreational
• EAP
• Company planes
• Loans / Stock options
• Financial Counseling
• Relocation
Types of plans
o Flexible spending
o Debit cards
o Core plus options