This model of the Research Report addresses the case study of Andrew Bartlett plumbing
business in Western Australia.
See attached copy of the case, taken from “œAndrew Bartlett: Managerial dilemmas. In
Bartol, K., Tein, M., Matthews, G. & Martin, D. (2005). Management: A Pacific Focus,
McGraw-Hill and Irwin, p.p. 471-2
Introduction
[1] Team-structured organisations are becoming increasingly popular in many different
industries and in situations where companies have geographically distributed offices. Jehn
and Mannix (2001, p. 238) note that work teams provide many benefits to an organisation,
including increased innovation and discussion of ideas, knowledge-sharing and
commitment to goals. However, teams have also been negatively associated with conflict
within organisations. While some conflict within teams is now considered beneficial, it is
essential that it be managed effectively to avoid problems (De Dreu & Weingart 2003, p.
741). [2] The high level of conflict that exists in Andrew Bartlett business is a serious
managerial problem [3] because the negative effects of conflict can result in low employee
morale, leading to reduced productivity and effectiveness, and staff turnover. [4] In this
report, I will argue that this conflict is due to poor communication and a lack of structured
work processes in the Bunbury office. In order to address this problem, [5] Andrew
Bartlett must restructure the Bunbury office by appointing an administration manager to
handle non-technical matters and by introducing a structured communication process to
deal with issues as they arise. Implementation of this strategy will result in an
improvement in both team effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
Problem Identification
.
[5A] The Australian plumbing industry is currently facing major changes with the
introduction of the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005. The Act is
aimed at improving occupational health and safety practices, reducing unlawful behaviour,
and protecting employees within the industry (MPMSAA 2005). In addition, the Institute
of Plumbing Australia is emphasising the importance of technical training and establishing
career paths for individuals in the industry (Swift 2005). Despite the focus on industrial
relations and training, there appears to be little attention in the industry to education on
business and people management. The recent trend toward work teams, together with the
fact that managers now spend more than a quarter of their time dealing with conflict
([6]Thomas & Schmidt cited in Meyer, Gemmell & Irving 1997, p. 1), means that conflict
management is vital within an organisation. [7] As such, the conflict occurring within
Andrew Bartlett business is a significant managerial issue.
