Session 1
Session 1 is an introduction to the topic concerning the development of the entrepreneurial workforce. Some historical insights are provided. It is stressed that the contemporary business world has acknowledged the relevance of human capital. Modern employers see the workforce as the key to their competitiveness or even survival. However, researchers note that the majority of US employees are dissatisfied.
It was interesting to learn about two views on the workforce. The first view was influential in the 20th century. Frederick Taylor saw employees as cogs. People were to complete particular (quite routine tasks) with no creativity, initiative, or diversity. This approach is quite ineffective as it discourages employees to work harder and achieve organizational goals. At that, the theorist also paid attention to a very helpful and relevant point. He noted that excessive pressure is disastrous.
Modern practitioners and researchers believe that creativity is the key to organizations’ success. Companies that can attract talent are likely to remain competitive and even become leaders. It has been acknowledged that the American business world cannot be characterized by the use of the approach mentioned above. The major reason for this is the age and training/education of top managers who still use traditional management approaches. It is time to use new ideas and focus on creativity and innovation.
Session 2
Session 2 provides more insights into the entrepreneurial workforce. It is mentioned that 60% of US jobs in manufacturing were unskilled while the modern workforce is almost fully constituted by skilled workers with only 10% of unskilled workers. The difference between algorithmic and heuristic work is explained. Algorithmic work is characterized by the use of the principles of command and control management where managers develop the vision, strategies, systems, and even tasks while employees fulfill the tasks assigned.
This approach was common in the 20th century. Modern work is mainly heuristic, and the power of ideas is seen as the key to organizational success. Creative workforce, ideas, and intellectual property are the key assets. It is stressed that creative loners are not able to come up with innovative ideas all the time, and collaboration is essential for the development of new ideas, approaches, systems, and so on. It is also noted that innovation is not only related to new product development.
It is concerned with new structures, systems, processes, strategies. The organization’s success is associated with the following concepts sustainable, competitive, and advantageous. Gary Hamel’s hierarchy of workplace capabilities is provided. It includes six levels: obedience, diligence, expertise, initiative, creativity, and passion. At that, initiative, creativity, and passion are regarded as the drivers of success. Finally, it is emphasized that people should unlearn traditional management approaches.
Session 3
Session 3 focuses on motivation, and different types of incentives are discussed. For instance, recognition awards are regarded as quite effective. At that, one of the most widely used incentives is thought to be ineffective. Financial rewards often hurt employees’ performance. It is noted that 30% of work originates from algorithmic and 70% from heuristic work. Financial incentives satisfy the basic needs of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Financial incentives are associated with addiction as employees stop doing something that is not rewarded or come up with ideas that lead to rewards but have no value in the long run. Frederick Herzberg identified some factors affecting employees’ motivation.
It is found that responsibility, the nature of work, and recognition positively affect motivation while rewards, supervision, and job security are demotivating factors. The work environment is crucial for employees as well. Daniel Pink also stresses that the major goal of the compensation system is not to reward desirable behaviors (the development of creative ideas) but to attract people capable of generating innovative ideas. It is concluded that it is impossible to command passion and creativity.