I agree with these observations. In order to resolve most of the labor relation debacles, it is imperative that common sense is applied while seeking to solve worker’s problems. For instance, the management might want avoid a lot of costly ligation if does not play hardball in its negotiations with the union or other workers’ officials. The business-friendly and cost effective thing to do would be to dialogue with the officials with a view to arriving at an amicable solution.
Since workers will hardly threaten to down their tools of work for no reason, it is advisable to listen to their grievances and complaints. This can significantly avert a major crisis that could result in huge losses to a company. The management ought to avoid a paternalistic approach in the management of its workers. Common sense would dictate that since workers are people of age who can articulate their issues well, they need to be given a listening ear whenever they raise an issue to do with their jobs.
Sound business judgment entails having the intuitive ability to foresee emerging issues in one’s area of business. Through the correct analysis of data, a good businessperson is able to come up with relevant information that is beneficial to their business. For instance, there is no point in keeping workers on a job that is no longer profitable, due to a contraction in their main market or an increase in their main factors of production. The most prudent thing to do would be tell the workers openly about the fate of their jobs and to offer them alternatives that the firm is able to afford in the prevailing circumstances, such as early retirement schemes.
References
Ozley, L. M. (2009, November 6). Rethinking the Management: Labor Relationship. Retrieved from Lee M. Ozley: http://www.leeozley.com/labor.htm
