Reflections from 1/26 class

Anytime race issues are brought to the forefront, there will always be a significant divide in opinion. I understand that there are issues that can be used to defend either side of the argument. With rulings of reverse discrimination it comes across to me that there are efforts to recognize and correct "loopholes." I believe that there were reasons that justified laws such as affirmative action, but I also believe that those laws should continuously be a work in progress. I don't think I am an active supporter of either side, but I try to measure my judgements with honesty and intent. The disservice occurs when people find ways to manipulate the system. I applaud those that benefit from the intended purposes of these laws, but I also cringe at the thought of those that benefit from its unintended purposes.

Chapter 4

Concept and Brief Description

Analyzing Work and Designing Jobs

It’s interesting to learn that there is actual strategy in designing job descriptions, job analysis, and job designs. These things are essential in workflow for an organization. There is so much creativity needed to maximize employee production and satisfaction. If a company fails to connect with the employees prior to starting, there can be many discrepancies in job duties. There are many employees that lose satisfaction because they don’t always know what they’re getting into. There are also many employees that lose satisfaction because they lose interest. Being creative in structuring standard job details such as work hours and breaks allows for staff to be more satisfied and committed.

Emotional hook

(provocative question/ claim/real-life problem):

Thinking of your current job or previous jobs, what could have been done by administration that would have created more interest and loyalty without sacrificing your job output?

Key points to elicit in discussion.

It’s important to maintain focus on the company’s purpose and what they hope to accomplish, but that purpose can be achieved if employees can also become an important focus. Job satisfaction is has a strong ability to create loyalty.

Facilitative questions

Is job output directly correlated to job satisfaction?

Reflections from 1/21 class

It was interesting to go through each of the different equal employment opportunities. I have always been worried about hiring the wrong person and being stuck with that person. The thing that stood out most to me was the importance of documentation. It was interesting to read and learn that job performance outweighs EEO. It is important to note that there is no compensation for poor work. EEO protects people from improper judgement and unfair treatment, but it does not provide a protective clause for any group.

My introduction

My name is Ron Albert. I moved to Utah from a small town in Louisiana in 1995. I grew up in Hawaii until I was eight years old prior to moving to Louisiana. My father is a physician and he did his internship and residency at Tulane University in New Orleans. After making the big adjustment between Hawaii and Louisiana, I figured the transition between Louisiana and Utah would be a piece of cake.

I lived in SLC for a couple years before moving to Provo in 1998 upon an invite from a cousin that was played football for Brigham Young University. I tested it out here, and the rest is history.

My first job in Provo was at Provo Canyon School, a residential treatment center, and I have been there ever since. I started as a counselor, and am now the program manager of the boy’s facility.

I met my wife here in Provo, and we have been married for 7 ½ years and have 3 daughters. Our daughters range in age from 6 to 1. They definitely keep us on our toes, and ensure that there is never a dull moment.

I love sports, especially LSU football. I try to go home to Louisiana once a year for a big game. I also love to fish. I will fish anywhere that I possibly can, but I love to go deep-sea fishing. I also love to hunt waterfowl in the winter. I’ve become more appreciative of the outdoors since I’ve moved to Utah.

I am currently a communications major with a public relations emphasis. I am currently in my last semester and look forward to graduation this spring. I have intentions of applying to an MPA program, and thought that maybe this class would be beneficial if that route came to fruition.