what is decentralization of work? in sociology class 11
Answers
A decentralized work force is one in which employees who collaborate in a functional area or on a work team don't work together in the same office. The evolution of the Internet and mobile technology have made it possible for more workers to telecommute and contributed to a more decentralized work force structure.
Communication:-
A decentralized work force creates the need for human resources and company leaders to address communication challenges. While technology helps, the removal of the normal face-to-face work group meetings and more informal interactions present challenges. Some companies are relying on social media strategies and the development of an effective culture that promotes and encourages teamwork and communication. Without specific training and development of communication tools, inefficiencies and quality problems may emerge.
Talent Retention:-
Another human resources concern with a decentralized work force is talent retention. With talented employees spread out and sometimes working from home, managers may have less direct contact with them. This can create a feeling of detachment with key employees that causes them to consider better paying opportunities elsewhere. Closely related are concerns about succession planning: It becomes more difficult for supervisors to spot and develop leaders ready to move up into supervisory roles when they are spread out.
IT Infrastructure:-
Companies that use a decentralized work force usually rely on a more expansive technology infrastructure and information technology support staff. Laptops and mobile technology are sometimes provided to employees who telecommute or work out in the field. Significant Internet bandwidth, web conferencing tools and virtual team software are also used in many instances to allow dispersed work teams to communicate and to engage in file sharing. This means more expenditures on IT and more emphasis on technology support.
Outsourcing:-
More reliance on outsourcing has coincided with strategic use of decentralized work forces. Companies that have tools in place to allow for decentralized employees to work together can more easily contract some work to outside firms. Global companies sometimes outsource IT and call center work to India. Other companies have benefited from lower cost technology and service labor in India, China, the Philippines and other countries with lower labor costs.