The Winning Way: Case Analysis: Winning Ways

As Winning Ways developed and reached its current potential, the company has relied heavily on excitement about the business and its mission, the products, the innovativeness, and the ability to change and be flexible. The key to the success of the company is they have been able to achieve a connectedness across multiple dimensions. Specifically, they have coordinated across different levels of work, such as production and management, in practical as well as personal ways. This case analysis will discuss the effective aspects of Winning Ways as well as the challenges and constraints that this successful company faced.

Similar to many offices across different industries, managers and employees at Winning Ways faced various common obstacles.

Change had always been a value at Winning Ways, but how change is managed is as important as the substance of the ideas. The implementation of new ideas as well as the mobility of the employees within the company became areas of concern. There was a great deal of confusion regarding company decisions and the purpose of certain initiatives. Although there was a commitment to seeking new management approaches, employees felt as though many ideas were pushed off to the side without ever being considered. Others were implemented, such as teams, but the actual structures were not sustained, creating confusion and tension as employees tried to work within a framework that did not always make sense. Although constant change was once embraced as a vehicle for innovation and increased success, it became increasingly difficult for the employees to follow large shifts. While change can create progress, it can also reflect a lack of focus and/or signify a lack of clear interest in a strategy or approach. In order for changes to be effective, they have to be clear and be implemented in a way that allows for their evaluation. Furthermore, as the company continued to hire from the outside, current employees found themselves isolated with no opportunity for upward mobility. New hires often had higher levels of education as compared to older workers who provided experience, were committed to the company, and had a strong interest in learning. Because people often feel out of the loop, it would be wise for Winning Ways to introduce employee involvement programs. For example, participative management allows for joint decision making in which subordinates share decision-making power with their supervisors (Robbins & Judge, 2012). As a result, employees would feel as though their voice can be heard and have a better