2 Emphasis on Performance Rather Than Attitude
The value of information or opinions on computer networks is determined by their substance. The character of the sender, the manner in which they are dressed or the way in which they speak does not affect this substance. When employees work through a computer network, supervisors are unable to trace with whom they exchange information and have great difficulty in monitoring how they perform their tasks. Supervisors are therefore required to evaluate what they have achieved rather than how they achieved it.
(The Role of Supervisors)
・Supervisors must realize that their supervisory role as a watchdog has become less important and that controlling the behavior of employees is not their task.
・Supervisors are required to appraise their staff on achievement rather than attitude. Adding value to these achievements is what supervisors are expected to do.
3 Employees Work Independently and may, Perhaps, Lose a Sense of Belonging.
Report writing, exchanging opinions, collecting information, most tasks that employees are required to perform may be done on a personal computer that is hooked up to a network. Employees may come to feel that communication with supervisors or colleagues is not essential unless they have some useful information or a good idea to discuss.
Work accomplished in this way, without much communication with other office members is likely to reflect the insular nature of the way it was achieved. It may not fit with the overall organizational goal or objective. Employees using personal computers for most of their working hours may perceive the work place itself to be immaterial. They might lose their sense of belonging within their organization.
(The Role of Supervisors)
・Supervisors are expected to utilize individual achievements and coordinate these to produce better results for the overall organization.
・Supervisors are required to vitalize communication among staff so that employees feel a sense of belonging in addition to the satisfaction of accomplishing their tasks. Supervisors must try to provide their staff with a sense of security and make them aware that they have cooperative relationships with their supervisors and colleagues based on mutual confidence.
