Discussion:
Review the below and discuss the following:
Kenny and Norton, owners of a sporting goods manufacturing and retail operation, are meeting with Tony, director of human resources, and Bobby, the manager of a new store. Twenty-five employees have just been hired, and the new store in south Florida is scheduled to open in a month. Norton thunders, "No way am I going to bring all those socialist bozos up here for a week! What's the matter with you! Why did you hire a bunch of socialists?"
Kenny calms him, "He said to socialize them, not that they were socialists. But why should they come here for a party? We should go to south Florida! And I think an opening party is a great idea. Bobby, that's your idea, right?"
Bobby smiles, and Tony says, "I don't mean party. I mean get them used to the way things run at TEAM FUN! They need to know the rules, what's expected of them, how to treat the customers and each other, that sort of thing."
Kenny asks, "What did you do when you interviewed them? I thought they'd know what to expect from day one."
Norton adds, "I know as soon as I meet someone if they should work at TEAM FUN! Anyway, people just all work out or quit right away-first day, usually. New people just start one day, follow someone around for a week, and then they are fine."
Tony looks helplessly at both of them until Norton finally says, "Oh, I get it. There is no one down there for a new person to follow around. Everyone will be new!" Tony nods his head. So does Kenny. Norton continues, "That's still a lot of airfare. I thought you said they were mostly family people. Do we have to bring all their kids and dogs up here, too? Find another way."
Kenny offers, "Dogs don't usually like to fly. I don't know. Remember that video we did for Christmas last year? Ginny followed everyone around at work for a few minutes with her video camera. I think I'm the only one who watched the whole thing. Most everyone only watched their part and the rest of the crew they worked with. Tony, could we send the video to Florida with a few key people to run everyone through their paces a week or so before we open? Would that be socialization?"
Norton frowns, "We just started working when we opened this store. What's the big deal?"
Tony says, "That was just the two of you, and you'd known each other all your lives." Norton looks at him skeptically. "So?"
Questions:
1. Explain to Kenny and Norton why employee socialization is necessary (or not necessary) for the new TEAM FUN! store.
2. What orientation activities do you recommend? Who should be involved?
3. What training needs should they consider?