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IIMB Management Review

Document Type

Book Review

Abstract

The workplace is in many ways the meeting ground for the employer and the employees. It can lead to mutual understanding, trust and a lasting fruitful collaboration to achieve the objectives of the company. On the other hand, it can result in confrontation with all the consequent negative outcomes to follow. It is obvious that one of the basic policies of every organisation should be to forge maximum possible understanding between the two. Even a minor incident, misunderstanding or communication gap between the managerial hierarchy and the individual employee can spark off a situation which could ultimately vitiate the atmosphere of trust and confidence built over many years. When fundamental changes in realms such as the structure of work and work roles, shifts in the employment contract, increase in pressure to perform, economic insecurity, etc, are implemented and enforced, the stress on the employee may increase, leading to a climate of isolation, alienation, mistrust and helplessness. Such circumstances can often spark off conflict, threat, intimidation and out-of-control behaviour. Therefore due importance should be attached to communication, trust, flexibility and caring. In the ultimate analysis, it is the determination to repair broken connections between people that strengthens an organisation, not the spirit of blame.

Publication Date

12-1-2000

First Page

128

Last Page

131

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