Short Case 1

Doing the Dirty Work

Answer:
With technology changing lives, industries and economy, a lot has changed when it comes to the
nature of work, the approach to work, labour standards and law, and perceptions when it comes to
what type of work is aspirational and what’s not. Going beyond the discussion of which function
a work fall into or how aspirational it is, the given case “Doing the Dirty Work” elaborates the
condition of work and the various physical and mental effects it has on employees in a typical
chicken-processing facility in the US.

The four steps involved in critical thinking cycle can be used to breakdown the case. The steps are:
Assess, Explore, Evaluate, and Elaborate.

As an insider at the chicken processing facility, I need to understand what the need of discussing
the work conditions at a facility like this is. The industry is a major contributor to the economy
in at least 5 states of the US and employs more than a quarter-million workforce. More jobs are
being added every year. That being said, the industry is also ranked third when it comes to inducing
cumulative trauma injuries such as carpet tunnel syndrome in its workers. The work conditions are
also dirty, unpleasant and confining. Since the physical and mental health of people employed in
the industry is at risk, it’s extremely important to dive deep into the work conditions and see what
can be improved and by how much.

A Human Rights Watch source report lists down a few factors that are facilitating the dangerous
condition of work at chicken processing plants. Federal Policies that are not keeping a check on
labour rights and laws is the number one reason why industries are not taking employee rights
seriously. Policies have also lead to factories lifting the limit on production speed making it
difficult for workers to catch up with the assembly line. There’s no oversight on workplace safety
and standards causing occupational injury, illness and trauma for workers in the industry. Data
around illnesses and injuries aren’t maintained accurately and aren’t provided to regulatory
officials or the public on time. Such oversight mishaps are making it easy for industry owners to
exploit labourers. Recruitment of labour is also done strategically by reaching out to people of
colour, minority, and vulnerable immigrants who are in desperate need of work and are often not
covered under any Federal support schemes. An Oxfam Report also talks about how labourers
source

are exposed to chemicals that are used to wash the blood and grease that flows from the chicken.

The United States poultry industry is the largest in the world with 16% of its total production
source

exported. The consumption of chicken is also the highest in the US than anywhere else in the
world. A change in lifestyle and demand of fast-cooked and quick service restaurants have also
contributed to the increase in demand for processed chicken in the country. An industry of this big
size definitely cannot be interrupted because of practices employed or work conditions as it would
have serious economic and well as livelihood consequences. The major players in the market are
profitable and the market share also is disproportionately concentrated with 4 or 5 key players.
Keeping the above points in mind, as someone who is in charge of the facility, I can’t overlook the
inhuman conditions of work at the factory. While the labour availability now is plenty and is one
reason why they are exploited, any change in Federal policy, regulations or technology could
change the way industry is working and having staff support is crucial to run a sustainable business.
The production speed needs to definitely decrease so as to provide workers with space and time to
relax muscles, take breaks etc. The facility needs to be adequately staffed and a slight reduction in
shift hours and an increase in the number of workers will bring down the load on each worker. A
reporting and management system needs to be put in place so as to ensure any record of a
workplace injury or illness is reported and the worker is adequately compensated or his treatment
taken care of. Alternate sustainable production arrangements or incremental production
arrangements with the scope of ventilation and more space for workers to move around will
improve the current working conditions. Respect for employees, training and engagement
activities and incentive programs will also boost the morale of workers.

The suggestions or actionable mentioned above aren’t difficult to perform as the industry isn’t
working on thin profit margins. All key players enjoy significant market share and export powers
and record huge profits year on year. Suggested changes aren’t capital intensive and can
significantly improve the working conditions on the industry. All it takes is the intention and
empathy towards one’s own workers. The industry should start working on transforming its image
with a genuine intention of improving inhuman working conditions.

Short Case 2
Conceptualize and Collaborate otherwise Get Sacked

Answer:
If I were in the place of Maniyam, I’d be using the Direct Attention Thinking Tools (DATT). The
objective I have is pretty straightforward and I already have the buy-in of most key stakeholders.
Operationalising the idea is the only thing left with strict monitoring to ensure that I achieve the
recruitment goal effectively and efficiently. The following elements from the DATT can be used
to my advantage to establish successful collaboration of Hassan Unit of HSS Ltd. with other
members involved in the grand meeting. The following can also be used to educate the
collaborators and stakeholders on why the plan is important:
Plus, Minus, Interesting - As a firm from the state of Karnataka that’s doing good business, HSS
should definitely think of giving back to its state by providing its people with opportunities and
training aimed at leveraging the opportunities to its fullest.
Consequence & Sequence - Closing the hiring targets at the Hassan unit by hiring people from
other identified rural areas of Karnataka is a good decision. It’ll have good social implications and
will contribute positively to HSS’s growth and publicity.
Recognize, Analyse, Divide - The problem statement of training and hiring from rural, backward
districts of Karnataka has been defined. Recruiting and training are identified as two different
activities and the training setup is getting ready. A centre manager is hired. Reaching out to
potential female candidates suitable for employment is a difficult task. Adequate support from