- Complete all the following tasks using the “Perpetual Guardian and the Four-day work week”
case study supplied on Blackboard.
Write your answers in full paragraphs and number each section of your answers.
1. Being a Manager and Organisation Culture (20 marks)
a. Discuss the culture at Perpetual Guardian, using cultural models. (10 marks)
b. How does owner of Perpetual Guardian Andrew Barnes influence the culture at the organisation?
(10 marks)
2. Motivation (20 marks)
a. Using Herzberg’s two-factor theory discuss how employees such as Mark Jephson and Tammy
Barker have been either motivated or de-motivated by the implementation of the four-day
workweek at Perpetual Guardian. (10 marks)
b. Use a different theory of motivation to explain how the implementation of the four-day workweek
has contributed to staff motivation and engagement. (10 marks)
3. Communication (20 marks)
a. Andrew Barnes introduced the concept of the four-day workweek in an informal face to face
meeting of all staff, explaining in person the reasoning behind it and asking for feedback. Discuss
with reference to theory why you think Andrew chose this channel and method of communication
as appropriate for this stage of the change process, and its effectiveness (10 marks).
b. Describe three further channels and methods of communication that Perpetual Guardian used to
engage the staff during this change process. Discuss, with reference to theory why these channels
or methods were appropriate. Discuss one channel of communication that would not be effective
for this kind of communication. (10 marks)
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4. Stress and Wellbeing in the Workplace (20 marks)
a. Explain why organisations need to be concerned about workplace stress, and what the
consequences of poorly managed stress are for employees and for organisations (10 marks).
b. Discuss how the implementation of the four-day work week has affected employee stress and
wellbeing at Perpetual Guardian (10 marks).
5. HR and Diversity (20 marks)
a. Human Resources has been described as being either part of the solution or part of the problem
in achieving an organisation’s strategic business outcomes and productivity. Describe how a focus
on the ‘people-side’ of the business has led to increased productivity at Perpetual Guardian (10
marks).
b. Explain how Perpetual Guardian has successfully managed diversity in its employees by
implementing the four-day workweek (10 marks).
