Critically evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of Results Only Work Environment

Assignment Brief

Term Report Assessment

watch the video, using the following link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgODDnZprMo

• With reference to Human Resource Planning, Job Analysis and job design critically evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of Results Only Work Environment presented in the video.
• Select three alternative flexibility programmes and discuss their merits.

Each of the above two questions is worth 50 possible points, 100 points total. Formalities:

• Wordcount: 2,000 words • Cover, Table of Contents, References and Appendix are excluded from the total wordcount. • Font: Arial 12,5 pts. • Text alignment: Justified. • The in-text References and the Bibliography have to be in Harvard’s citation style.
• Weight: This task has a weighting of 40% of the total grade for this subject.
• Learning results

This paper assesses the student’s comprehension of flexibility programmes as an important component of job design in today’s organisations.

Rubrics

Exceptional 90-100 Good 80-89 Fair 70-79 Marginal fail 60-69 Knowledge & Understanding (20%)

• Student demonstrates excellent understanding of key concepts and uses vocabulary in an entirely appropriate manner.
• Student demonstrates good understanding of the task and mentions some relevant concepts and demonstrates use of the relevant vocabulary.
• Student understands the task and provides minimum theory and/or some use of vocabulary.
• Student understands the task and attempts to answer the question but does not mention key concepts or uses minimum amount of relevant vocabulary.

Application (30%) Student applies fully relevant knowledge from the topics delivered in class.

• Student applies mostly relevant knowledge from the topics delivered in class.
• Student applies some relevant knowledge from the topics delivered in class. Misunderstanding may be evident.
• Student applies little relevant knowledge from the topics delivered in class. Misunderstands are evident.

Critical Thinking (30%)

• Student critically assesses in excellent ways, drawing outstanding conclusions from relevant authors.
• Student critically assesses in good ways, drawing conclusions from relevant authors and references.
• Student provides some insights but stays on the surface of the topic. References may not be relevant.
• Student makes little or none critical thinking insights, does not quote appropriate authors, and does not provide valid sources.

Communication (20%)

• Student communicates their ideas extremely clearly and concisely, respecting word count, grammar and spellcheck
• Student communicates their ideas clearly and concisely, respecting word count, grammar and spellcheck
• Student communicates their ideas with some clarity and concision. It may be slightly over or under the wordcount limit. Some misspelling errors may be evident

Sample Answer

Critical Evaluation of Results Only Work Environment and Alternative Flexibility Programmes

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Human Resource Planning, Job Analysis, and Job Design

3. Critical Evaluation of Results Only Work Environment (ROWE)
   3.1 Benefits of ROWE
   3.2 Drawbacks of ROWE

4. Alternative Flexibility Programmes
   4.1 Flexible Working Hours (Flextime)
   4.2 Remote and Hybrid Work Models
   4.3 Compressed Workweeks

5. Comparative Analysis of ROWE and Alternatives

6. Conclusion

7. References

Introduction

In contemporary organisations, job design and flexibility programmes are increasingly important for attracting, motivating, and retaining talent. Global competition, technological advancements, and changing workforce expectations have shifted the emphasis from rigid schedules towards more outcome-oriented performance measures. The Results Only Work Environment (ROWE) is one such approach, focusing entirely on output rather than hours worked. This term report critically evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of ROWE, referencing key concepts in Human Resource Planning (HRP), Job Analysis, and Job Design. The report also discusses three alternative flexibility programmes, flexible working hours, remote and hybrid work models, and compressed workweeks, highlighting their merits in the modern workplace.

2. Human Resource Planning, Job Analysis, and Job Design

Human Resource Planning ensures that organisations have the right number of employees, with the right skills, in the right roles, at the right time (Reilly, 2010). It involves forecasting future staffing needs, assessing current workforce capabilities, and developing strategies to bridge gaps. Job Analysis is the process of identifying the tasks, responsibilities, and skills required for a particular role (Brannick et al., 2007). Job Design, in turn, structures jobs to improve efficiency, motivation, and satisfaction (Hackman & Oldham, 1976).

ROWE directly interacts with these processes by redefining job design to focus on outcomes rather than processes. For HRP, it demands clear performance metrics and robust monitoring systems. For job analysis, it necessitates precise identification of outputs and competencies. For job design, it shifts emphasis towards autonomy and results-oriented structures.

3. Critical Evaluation of Results Only Work Environment (ROWE)

The Results Only Work Environment was developed by Jody Thompson and Cali Ressler at Best Buy in the early 2000s. In this model, employees are evaluated solely on their results, with no restrictions on where or when they work, provided they meet agreed performance objectives.

3.1 Benefits of ROWE

Increased Autonomy and Motivation

ROWE empowers employees by granting full control over their schedules and work methods. Self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) suggests that autonomy enhances intrinsic motivation, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.

Alignment with Modern Workforce Expectations

Millennials and Generation Z value flexibility and work-life balance more than previous generations (Gallup, 2020). ROWE aligns with these expectations, potentially improving talent attraction and retention.

Productivity Focus

By focusing on outcomes, ROWE reduces “presenteeism” and unnecessary meetings, encouraging employees to concentrate on meaningful work. For example, at Best Buy, productivity increased by 35% during initial ROWE trials (Thompson & Ressler, 2008).

Reduced Absenteeism

Flexibility in working hours allows employees to balance personal and professional commitments more effectively, decreasing unscheduled absences.

Continued...