human resource management(a case study)
... productivity and low employee mobility, which play significant roles in the prosperity of company in the future. Considering the current problems existing between Dr Barfuss and his immediate subordinates, we can come to a conclusion that the gap derives from different cultural background. Susan C. Schneider and Jean-Louis Barsoux( 2003) report that a key assumption differentiating cultures is the importance of relationships over tasks. A good relationship must be established before business. Without the foundation, the work during the next period will not be carried out smoothly. In Germany, directors tend to use participation in decision-making as mechanism in order to stimulate employee’s potential and intensify cohesive force. Everyone has the right and opportunity to contribute to decision and voice his or her own perspectives, for decision-making requires seeking consensus. Compared with Germany, in France the boss is the boss. France has a singularity in the way of company law; it places in the hands of an individual what in most countries is shared—deciding on, executing and controlling policy (Susan C. Schneider and Jean-Louis Barsoux, 2003). In my opinion, Dr Barfuss should achieve more encouragement rather than merely criticism. An effective method to solve the problem is to arrange a French subordinate with experience across culture as his assistant. The role of the assistant is not only to provide coordination at the top management team and the relationship between Dr Barfuss and staff, but also to help Dr Barfuss make key decisions. “Decision making is obviously important for managers, but, decision making is increasingly being devolved as we move to ‘flatter’ organizations, people throughout the organization are required to be able to make effective decisions.”(lan Brooks,2003, P36). As Leadership styles in France differ from in Germany. Dr Barfuss should spend some time in learning and exploring the French work organizations. As a PGD, I would send him to headquarter to take part in some tra...