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- Title
The Attractive Nuisance: A Model to Prevent Workplace Distractions.
- Authors
Dance, Jeffery W.; Service, Robert W.
- Abstract
In today's technological world, there are many tools that can be of use to managers and leaders, but inappropriate use of those same tools can distract one from doing the most important work. Technological tools are neither good nor bad. Their application determines whether they are useful or are distractions. At this point, the judgment piece of leadership and management necessitates humans and their selective intellect as a vital addition to technology. As anyone who has attended a meeting or taught a class recently can attest, we have a problem! The "tools" have evolved beyond our ability to use them in the most effective and efficient manner. Indeed, no one can "effectively" multi-task, for multi-tasking significantly reduces efficiency, quality, or effectiveness. This is a fact few seem to realize, let alone manage. Summer 2012 reports on CBS's and NBC's U.S. newscasts, and articles in many major U.S. newspapers report on the rise in walking-while-distracted accidents, and the addition of fines for violators in some cities. This article focuses on the manager's duty to facilitate personal and organizational success by identifying, removing, and protecting against seemingly helpful "endeavors," technological or otherwise, which in reality are obstacles and distractions to core competencies. Using the tort doctrine of the Attractive Nuisance as a pattern, this article will assist managers in identifying core competency and efficiency distractions as well as in protecting against their dangers. Solutions include the connectivity of intellectual ambulatory management, establishing sound job scope and depth, developing cultures of cooperation with clear lines of the business case for new projects and ideas, and creating self-policing monitors to maintain focus on core objectives.
- Subjects
EFFECT of technological innovations on industrial productivity; EXECUTIVES; HUMAN multitasking; QUALITY; WORK environment
- Publication
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (1947-2900), 2013, Vol 5, Issue 2, p35
- ISSN
1947-2900
- Publication type
Article