Aberdeen

Job Design and Goal Setting

At the Aberdeen plant, job design and goal setting are utilized very effectively. Beginning with the hiring process, people who display the potential to perform in the environment that has been created are selected. By doing this, management ensures that the new recruits will fit into the system, which is focus on teamwork rather than on individual accomplishments. By creating teams for employees to work with, this gives them the autonomy to complete the job as the team sees fit. Additionally the job design is such that it promotes and encourages job enlargement. People have the opportunity to expand their knowledge by learning different aspects of the job and to become proficient in other areas.

The techniques used at Aberdeen can be incorporated into the Green River plant operations. However, due to the significantly increased size of Green River, it would be necessary for Green River to go about it a little differently. Specifically, I would recommend that Green River operations be subdivided into smaller manageable operations. By creating these divisions, it will be clear what each division is responsible for. Within the divisions, people can be better integrated into the operation of that particular division. Specific goals for each division will be established and each employee will have a better understanding of where they fit in the bigger scheme of things. Additionally, within each division, people can learn all the aspects of the particular division they work in to enhance their job knowledge.

Performance Appraisal

The Aberdeen plant utilizes a peer evaluation process for their performance appraisals. By creating a system in which peers review everyone, allows for real-time feedback when certain standards are not met or when exceptional performance is identified. This form of performance appraisal could easily be incorporated into the Green River plant. There is open communication that encourages honest feedback. If a problem is identified with an employee, their peers bring it to their attention immediately. Additionally, since their peers work with them on a consistent basis, they have first hand knowledge as to their overall performance during the appraisal period. Therefore, the usual complaints that employees may have about their management being involved on a daily basis is eliminated. Additionally, the excuse of managers not having first hand knowledge of the performance of an individual is eliminated as well.

Pay

In the matter of pay, employees at the Aberdeen plant are given the autonomy to make their own decisions as to how long it will take to get a pay increase. There are minimum established timelines and requirements that must be met in order to advance in pay. The flexibility that is given to employees allows them to move at their own pace. Everyone is encouraged to learn all the different aspects of the job and in doing so they will be able to earn more money. This method of providing opportunities