Communication in the Transition to Self-Directed Work Teams

Abstract

Although adopting self-directed work teams (SDWTs) presents a challenge, this study shows that subordinates' perceptions of managers' influence strategies affect the success of change within organizations. Using data collected over 18 months, this study examined employees' perceptions of managerial communication used prior to and during the implementation of SDWTs at a manufacturing firm as well as the effect of team and organizational communication on team members' participation. First, the results indicated that managers who communicated persuasively using "soft" influence tactics in the team development process were perceived to be more effective. Second, team communication was found to have a significant positive effect on team members' participation. Thus, the findings provide strong support for use of soft influence tactics in managerial communications when implementing SDWTs.

Industrial Leadership that Inspires Managerial Communication as an Emerging Pedagogical Focus in Engineering

“…Although not always recognized as a communication skill, effective listening has been claimed to distinguish the best managers and leaders [66]. They do not merely listen, but they give their full attention, attune to the other person's feelings, paraphrase and ask questions to understand better.…”

“…Until recently, the role of leaders' nonverbal transmission and influence strategies in enhancing human capital has been largely ignored [22], [23], [24].…”

An Increasing Usefulness for Managerial Communication Research on the Main Topics of Management

“…The communication need requirements of team-based management differ dramatically from those of bureaucratic management because many bureaucratic strategies are removed from the communication repertoire (Douglas, Martin, & Krapels, 2006). In team communication, information is shared by team members to conduct daily activities.…”

Communication Among Undergraduate Engineers on a Self-directed Team During a Product Decision Meeting

“…The degree of freedom within self-directed work teams (SDWTs) affords each member greater control over his/her individual effort, productivity, and communication, which can positively or negatively impact team performance. Self-directed teams are increasingly present in the professional world, as "researchers have predicted that 75% of the top 1,000 U.S. firms will soon use some type of SDWT" 18,19 .…”

“…Douglas et al describe how the formation of a self-directed work team "alters the structure of relationships by redefining the traditional roles of both managers and employees" 19 .…”