Workplace Success Stories
- Best Practices 2003
Maximizing Employee Input in Managerial Decision-Making
| Practice Name:
Staff Participation in Department Management Selection
|
Workplace
Issues Addressed: |
Description of the practice
All Administrative Systems Department (ASD) staff members
are invited to participate and provide anonymous input for the selection
of ASD's director and managers. Assisting the selection process of
ASD management allows staff, regardless of professional rank, to have
a voice and opportunity to shape the direction and philosophy of the
department.
Benefits of adopting the practice
It offers high-level management (an associate vice chancellor,
for example) an opportunity to understand the department's needs from
another perspective, which contributes to a more informed decision
based on the needs of the entire department.
How this practice works
Everyone in the unit gets a voice in the decision; interview
questions are structured by the staff committee, or by a forum of
questions and answers.
What you need in place to replicate this practice
To replicate this practice in another department, you need
to be willing to participate and you need management support. Staff
input must carry weight into the selection process, and management
must accept that everyone at all staff levels gets to participate
in the decision for the hiring.
Tangible improvements to the department as a result of adopting
this practice
There is staff buy-in on management hiring. There is a greater
sense of trust between management and staff, and staff members feel
empowered. The department believes that if employees feel important
because they have a voice and ability to change their work environment
positively, productivity may increase (as measured by fewer absences).
This practice also provides high-level management another perspective
& contributes to more informed decisions.
Why this practice was so successful and is worth replicating
A genuine respect for staff members, staff opinions that
are valued, and top management support.