An analysis of middle management work in non-steady conditions

This study examined work at the Engineering level by comparing two periods of time (non-steady state process vs. steady state process) and randomly collecting data of daily job-tasks from one selected population of workers at such level and performing a statistical analysis. Findings revealed a significant change for some work activities between the two periods of time. The results noted a shift from more physical, tangible, structured, repetitive with a low discretion level type of work, towards more mental, intangible, problem-solving oriented, unstructured, strategic with a high discretion level type of work. The conclusion drawn is that workers at the Engineering level are required to be involved in more knowledge-work activities when the manufacturing environment is unstable. This important point could lead managers to analyze, hire and better utilize their human resources according to the status of the working manufacturing environment.