1

Group work

Please read the attached case in groups and answer the questions.

Scrutinizing the Light and Dark Sides of Flexible Work Practices

Illustration of how and why flexible work practices benefit: The Case Study of
Flexible Hours in Barrister’s Chambers (30 minutes)

The link to the case is: http://www.flexibility.co.uk/cases/cloisters.htm

As you read the case, please focus on why it would be difficult to implement flexible
work practices in Barrister’s Chambers in the first place and what kind of effects
their implementation had on employees.

In addition, please prepare to discuss the below questions in the class:

1. Why did Barrister’s Chambers implement flexible work practice policy?

(Maximum 200 words)
1. What does the availability of FWPs tell you about the options that people have
in this job? (Maximum 200 words)
2. In what ways the presence of FWPs have become beneficial for employees in
this company? What are the costs? (Maximum 300 words)
 2

Answer 0

As you read the case, please focus on why it would be difficult to implement flexible
work practices in Barrister’s Chambers in the first place and what kind of effects their
implementation had on employees.

The following case discusses the positive impact of Flexible work practices in Barrister’s
Chambers. This is a matter for consideration for the Chamber setup is unique and consists of
individual professionals working independently, but under the umbrella of the given chamber
with a shared reputation.

Following are reasons why it was difficult to implement Flexible Work Practices in the
Barrister’s Chambers:

1. Lack of Cohesiveness among Lawyers owing to independent interests

To all lawyers, self-interest was greater than the chamber’s. This made it difficult to
implement flexibility for the professionals could end up misusing the same.
2. Different specializations, work practices and motivation
This makes coordination and implementation of Rota system relatively difficult for the work
is independent and may often clash.
3. Limited control of Chambers on activities of the Lawyers
The Lawyers work as independent professionals and the chamber has a limited role to play in
their activities, thus making it difficult for the management to exercise control.
4. Growing size and scale of Chambers
This made management of the workforce challenging for control was limited, coordination
among workers lacking and self-interests stronger than the chamber’s interest.
5. Responsibility to maintain a common ‘reputation’
Since the ‘Image’ of the chamber was on stake, the flexibility changes had to be well planned
and it was to be ensured that the quality of work and reputation of the chamber do not suffer.
6. Management of divided employees: Lawyers and Staff
These two categories of employees were crucial but did not work in sync. Therefore,
implementing a system fair to both, and yet not disturbing the work was an important task.

Following is the impact of implementing this Flexible working System: