Policy Change

FINAL PAPER ON POLICY CHANGE The problem of nepotism makes its’ way into an organization when upper management begin favoring family members or friends, disregarding whether or not they are qualified or suited for a job. Its’ impact goes far beyond what many may realize, affecting virtually every area within an organization. The impact is felt through the hiring practices, performance evaluations, promotions, assignments given, employee appraisals, and compensation. Nepotism has become a very sensitive subject which has the ability to cause stress and dissatisfaction within an organization, which ultimately leads to a lack of commitment of employees to the agency. Nepotism is a threat to an organization and needs to be dealt with swiftly, but consciously. By its’ very definition, nepotism can have a very negative affect on an organizations morale. Anytime that there is favoritism shown to an individual or individuals based solely upon relationship/s, it can cheat other individuals out of a position in which they may be more qualified. An organization owes itself and its’ employees to provide a system of fairness. “An organization that commits itself to the human-centered tenets of design thinking is practicing enlightened self-interest” (Brown, 2009). Creating an environment conducive to positive outcomes and enhancing employee performance can be achieved by design. As I took a good look at my organization I identified an area in which a policy goal needed to be achieved in order to address a problem, and enhance the overall operations of the agency; I was immediately drawn to a problem that has been prevalent within my organization for the past nineteen plus years. The widespread employment of family members within my organization has been common knowledge. More than that, employees receiving choice assignments and promotions, as well as avoiding discipline based solely upon their relation to upper management has had a devastating affect

References: Brown, T. (2009). Change by Design. New York, N.Y.: Harper Collins Charney, C. (2006). The Leader’s Tool Kit: Hundreds of Tips and Techniques for Developing the Skills You Need. New York, N.Y.: AMACOM Kotter, J.P. (1996). Leading Change. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Press Lind, J.R. (2009). Discrimination, Nepotism charged against Wilson County. Putative class action claims African Americans denied county jobs, 12-15-2009. Retrieved 12-01-2010, http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2009/12/15/discrimination_nepotism_charged_against… Virginia Employment Law Letter. (2008). Nepotism and Its Dangers in the Workplace. Retrieved December,01,2010, from http://hrhero.com/hl/articles/2008/10/10/nepotism-and-its-dangers-in-the-workplace/