Self-Learning: Chapter 15

What is Your Attitude toward Productivity?

Complete the following questions based on how you think and act in a typical work situation. For each item, circle the number that best describes you.

Disagree strongly Agree strongly

1. I spend time developing new ways of 1 2 3 4 5

approaching old problems.

2. As long as things are done correctly and efficiently, 1 2 3 4 5

I prefer not to take on the hassle of changing them.

3. I always believe that effort to improve something 1 2 3 4 5

should be rewarded, even if the final improvement

is disappointing.

4. A single change that improves things 30 percent 1 2 3 4 5

is much than 30 improvements of 1 percent each.

5. I frequently compliment others on change they 1 2 3 4 5

have made.

6. I let people know in a variety of ways that I like 1 2 3 4 5

to be left alone to do my job efficiently.

7. I am personally involved in several improvement 1 2 3 4 5

projects at one time.

8. I try to be a good listener and be patient with what 1 2 3 4 5

people say, except when it is a stupid idea.

9. I am always proposing unconventional techniques 1 2 3 4 5

and ideas.

10. I usually do not take risks that would create a 1 2 3 4 5

problem for me if the idea failed.

Scoring and Interpretation:

Subtract each of your scores for questions 2,4,6,8, and 10 from the number 6. Then, using the adjusted scores, add the scores from all 10 items for your total score: ________

This scale indicates the extent to which your orientation toward productivity is based on efficiency or continuous improvement. Efficiently sometimes can be maximized by eliminating change. This may be appropriate in a stable organizational environment. Continuous improvement is an attitude that productivity can always get better, and you take personal responsibility to improve it. This attitude is appropriate for a quality- conscious company experiencing frequent change.

A score of 40 or higher indicates that you take personal responsibility for improving productivity and frequently initiate change. A score of 20 or less indicates you make contributions through efficient work in a stable environment. Discuss the pros and cons of the efficiency versus continuous improvement orientations for organizations and employees.